Band
The KRIS POHLMANN BAND was founded in the summer of 2005 by the English-born singer, songwriter and guitarist Kris Pohlmann and features American Warren Richardson on bass and backing vocals as well as German Elmar Stolley on drums, percussion and backing vocals. The trio made an immediate impact on the German blues-rock scene by winning the prestigious German Rock & Pop Award in 2006. The prize, awarded at the yearly German Rock & Pop Award ceremony is hosted by the German Pop Foundation, the German Rock & Pop Association and Musician Magazine.
Following the release of their EP ‘Heavy Pain’ in spring 2007, the band quickly made a name for themselves as a high-energy live act by playing throughout Germany and supporting artists such as Eric Gales and Nine Below Zero along the way. In 2008 the band continued to tour Germany, growing their fan base and in doing so further enhancing their reputation. With parallels drawn with the likes of Rory Gallagher, Jeff Healey and Gary Moore, the press reviews have been unanimous in their praise for the band, with renowned music website RockTimes stating KPB is:
“One we’ll hear a lot from in the future”
(www.rocktimes.de Jan. 2008)
Fast-forward to December 2009 and the release of their eagerly-awaited, full-length debut album “New Resolution” and we witness a band that has not only documented it’s unique mix of blues, funk and rock but also sees the band exploring a newer, more commercial side. Songs like ‘Get Away’, ‘I’ll Come Around’ and ‘Only One Heart’ are heavily influenced by pop-rock music and sees Kris taking a more song-based approach to songwriting with the focus on song structure and catchy choruses. “We’re essentially a blues-pop-rock band. The blues is where I come from and it is the music that holds all the songs together. It’s the red line throughout the CD, but I’m developing as a songwriter and my pop-rock influences are more present than on our EP ‘Heavy Pain’ from 2006”.
The 12-track CD was engineered and produced by Thomas Hannes (references include blues giants Robert Cray and Robben Ford) and mastered at SkyLine Studios by gold and platinum record-mastering guru Kai Blankenberg, whose references include legendary German bands Die Toten Hosen, Sportfreunde Stiller and Silbermond.
The Trio was keen to achieve a polished production. Not only was a first class production team assembled but top-notch guest musicians were also hired. Olivera who has had chart success in Germany adds soulful backing vocals to the radio friendly R’n’B/pop tune ‘Only One Heart’. Rene Schwiers (Monrose and Mark Medlock) adds keyboards to the Gary Moore-influenced ballad ‘Just Can’t Make It On My Own’ and a complete horn section provides a Robert Cray vibe to the upbeat blues stomper ‘Got To Let You Go’. Songs from the CD have featured on radio stations throughout Germany as well as in England and the USA.
Following the release of “New Resolution” the KRIS POHLMANN BAND won the German Rock & Pop Award for the second time in 4 years, once again providing the band with further recognition of their ability and potential.
“Trying to make your mark in the music industry is a formidable, pride swallowing and painstaking experience. I only started writing songs to help heal my own broken heart and in doing so I discovered the healing powers of music. So when people tell me after a gig that my music is like ‘medicine’ then it spurs me on even more. Everything I’ve ever experienced has gone into these songs, they are my heart and soul laid bare. I believe in what we’re doing and where we’re headed and that we’ve got so much more to say. I will make this band a success. It’s my New Resolution.”
KRIS POHLMANN January 2010.
