Christian Marsh

Christian has made the harmonica his life’s work. Starting at the age of 14, he has studied the instrument with serious dedication, in a never-ending quest for perfection. He has played every idiom, from country and blues to jazz and classical. Seeing him perform opens minds to the versatility of the harmonica. His trademark is a particularly pure and sweet tone, which he weaves through even the simplest of melodies to create a musical tapestry. As a result of his approach, Christian has countless sessions to his credit, and has played for many years with artists and bands across a wide cross-section of music styles.

Highlights of his career include a national tour with the hit stage musical “Big River”. In this show, Christian not only featured and soloed as part of the pit orchestra, but also played several character roles on stage. That it turned out to be very successful was not surprising as it included a litany of Australian talent; including Cameron Daddo, John Bell, John English, Doug Parkinson, Karen Knowles, Vanetta Fields and Drew Forsyth.

Subsequent to this, Christian commenced studies in jazz improvisation, as part of the “Outreach Program” run by the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. During this same time period, he recorded an album of original material with Guy Dickerson, entitled “Planet Bound”, released through Larrikin Records. Two years later, Christian recorded one of his own, entitled “The Sketch”, released through La Brava Music. This album is jazz with a rock edge. Andrew Tucker from the Sunshine Coast Newspaper, described this album as “……intelligent and fresh… wonderful harmonica playing!”

He has joined singer/songwriter Ed Valk to form the band Dr Goodvibe. They recorded a CD of original acoustic music coloured with inflexions of blues, Latin and jazz, a style that has developed the tag "Acoustic Soul". A second album entitled "She" consolidated this style.

Experimentation with Classical music was fast tracked with the formation of "The Reason To Breathe" in 2005. This band lead by pianest/flautist Wu Pu Yu and pianest/producer Parris Macleod is an eclectic mix of Classical and World music underpinned by the Didgeridoo playing of Mark Atkins. A 2005 Summer tour generated enough momentum to record an album in 2006. The Taiwan tour later that year raised the profile of the ensemble considerably, enabling subsequent tours.

In April 2007, Christian performed Sven Libaek's Harmonica Concerto at Newcastle City Hall with Orchestra Nova, then in October 2008 it was recorded and performed with The University of Newcastle Symphony Orchestra at the Harold Lobb Concert Hall in Newcastle, conducted by John Kellaway. In December 2008 the concerto was performed at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre under the baton of the composer, Sven Libaek, with the Sutherland Shire Symphony Orchestra.The concerto takes the form of a suite in three movements and was inspired by the Australian outback.

Christian has won “Golden Harmonica awards” on three occasions at Hohner’s National Harmonica Championships in Tamworth and has also worked as Larry Adler’s harmonica technician during the Australian leg of Adler’s international “Glory of Gershwin Tour”.

In 2003 Christian won the award for best “Instrumental” at the 1233 ABC Newcastle Music Awards, for his tune entitled “Five Islands”. In 2005, as part of the band Dr. Goodvibe , won best “Blues and Roots” and “Announcers Choice”, then in 2006 the combined "Classical and Instrumental". He was also a nomination for an award in the Jazz category in 2003, 2004 and 2005.