Music by Christian Schrader
All I Ever Wanted
Having been a fan of The Great American Songbook, Christian wanted to bring a modern adult touch to the genre but remain true in style and substance to the form. Here are thirteen original tunes that range from the Jump Swing of “Ghosted” to the sweet Bossa Nova “Sympatico” and the Big Band sound of “Let’s Get it Started”.
Within all of the styles, the main theme of the album is love. Romantic love, love of longtime friends, love lost and even the misguided egotistical love of “Oscar’s Lament”. But you know the truth just about every song ever written is about love.
Christian was able to bring in an all-star roster of players with Larry Koonse on Guitar, Dave Tull on Drums, John Proulx on Piano, Lyman Medeiros on Bass and Jake Chapman on Vibes. Special appearances include Lead Trumpet by Bijon Watson, Trombone by Carl Hose and Scott Whitfield, Tenor Sax by Doug Webb and Flute by Tim Izo Orindgreff. Percussion was supplied by Felipe Fraga and Carlos Torres. Extra special apperance by Fred Ziwich.
All I Ever Wanted was recorded and mixed by Paul Tavenner at Big City Recording Studios in Granada Hills, California.
Additional tracking was done by Ed Donnelly at The Barber's Basement.
This is an album that invites you to sit back and relax with your favorite beverage or dance with the love of your life.
The Purple Sandpiper
This self produced record was an exercise in variety. Pulling from a wide breadth of influences, Christian presented twelve original songs. From crowd favorite paean for the working stiff “Off the Clock” to the rumination on parental love “Is it Enough,” The Purple Sandpiper is filled with catchy melodies.
There are also the Garage Rock Anthem “Chico Needed the Money” and the synth driven “Seen it Coming” which lend a rocking edge to this collection.
Also included is a modern approach to the Christmas genre “A Christmas Prayer,” a heartfelt plea to bring the Spirit and peace to ourselves and our families amongst the difficulties in life.
Despite being an eclectic collection, The Purple Sandpiper remains a cohesive work that takes the listener throuigh the gamut of emotions on many levels.
Xian's Xmas
This was an opportunity for Christian to travel around the country and play music with some of his best musical friends. There are a wide variety of styles from Bluegrass and Folk to Jazz and Experimental Sounds. Guests such as Free Range Picki’, Rickey Minor, Herman Jackson and Dave Zeller helped to make this a perennial holiday favorite among friends and family.