Chris Godber (God – brrr) isn’t just another sax player. When Godber performs his goal is not just to entertain, but to inspire. Despite being told by doctors he wouldn’t be able to play the saxophone due to of the severity of his asthma, Chris Godber took to it anyway. Picking up the sax in middle school band at age 12, Godber has been leaving others breathless ever since. He was first drawn to the sound of the saxophone while living in Germany. His family was military and while being stationed overseas the majority of their entertainment came from music as they only received one channel on their television.
As Chris recalls, “I was a product of the 80’s and Kenny G was getting pretty popular around that time. My parents were Big Kenny G fans!” No doubt it had some influence; however, Godber definitely has a sound all his own with a bit of the R&B / Gospel vibe showing through. “Bringing a refreshing sound with a distinctive gospel/R&B twist to the genre, Godber is a master at weaving addictive melodies on soprano and tenor with funky, driving grooves” –Jonathan Widran / SmoothJazz.com Godber’s latest album, STARTING OVER has taken the airwaves by storm. The first two singles, “Rain” and “Chill” landed him on the Top 50 charts of smoothjazz.com. Rain hit #6 on Groove Jazz Music Charts; both can be heard on SIRIUS XM’s Watercolors where they receive steady airplay.
His performance is invigorating and inspiring. As Chris put it, “God blessed my playing and gave me the ability to play even with my asthma, so all Glory goes to Him. I tell my story everywhere that I play because I want it to resonate with people just as much as my music. You never know who’s out there listening and who needs to hear that the message of God’s grace, hope and healing. That’s why I do what I do.” Godber takes that passion with him even off the stage where he is also a Respiratory Therapist. He’s even been known to bring his sax to work and play for the patients. Most of those patients would have no idea that their Respiratory Therapist plays National Jazz Festivals; that he’s performed for the cast of Dancing with The Stars as they toured and shared the stage with artists such as Mindi Abair, Snarky Puppy, Gerald Albright, Marcus Anderson and Tower of Power. No, Chris isn’t the type to brag, he’s about as laid back as they come…until you give him a saxophone, then sit back and prepare to be blown away!
Learn more about Chris Godber music at;
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Maryann
Student Author - Spring 2017
Maryann is a designer, front-end developer and family gal. I like to doodle over fonts and pour through code. Designing web interfaces has to be one of the most challenging and rewarding careers, next to teaching. Requiring constant upgrading of knowledge, meeting demanding deadlines and finding solutions to criticism. And that’s why I love it. In my spare time, I spend as much time with my family Geocaching and playing Pokemon Go. I have an incredibly family and patient husband, James and three wonderful children. Chances are, you’ll find me either in front of a computer screen, at school, or with my family.
