Chris Ward is a singer-songwriter, but certainly not in the conventional sense. He is an accomplished saxophonist and percussionist. His influences are as much dub reggae and afrobeat as they are folk and pop and his latest band features a cello, some Arabic drums, a melodica and an iPod!

The subject matter of the songs is diverse and off-the-wall, with Ward singing about TV remote controls, items of South American furniture, and scrap yards - all of which are used to illustrate his sidelong look at life.

Chris' music first came to light in the autumn of 2006, when the self-produced CD 'No Fear' was released. A totally independent effort, it has nonetheless resulted in airplay on radio stations as far apart as Greece , Italy , Ireland , the UK and the USA .

Appearances on Irish National Television, at notable venues like Belfast 's Black Box and Eire 's Eistmusic, and radio interviews north and south, have helped cement the reputation of Chris' music. Enthusiastic press notices have followed (see press section).

Chris has recently teamed up with percussionist Eddie McGroarty and cellist Aideen Hughes, to form a strong platform for his unique, multi-genre music. Both are accomplished musicians, who bring depth and dynamism to the sound.

The fourth member of his current band has to be plugged in - it's his iPod!

'As well as saxophone and guitar, I can also play drum and bass,' explains Chris. 'However, when I first started out, I couldn't afford to pay real musicians. So, I recorded the rhythm tracks myself and put them onto the iPod, and now it's become a feature of what we do. It makes our music a lot more versatile - we can work as an acoustic trio or we can kick ass if we want!'

Eddie McGroarty

Eddie McGroarty is a versatile percussionist, as much at home with African rhythms as the Irish bodhrain. Based in Letterkenny, County Donegal , Eddie has travelled the length and breadth of Ireland as a musician. He has performed with artists like Richard Gilpin, Christy Moore and Kila. Eddie also runs workshops and carnival groups for adults and kids, and can be seen every year leading street processions around County Donegal . Known to his friends as 'Chick', Eddie can be contacted at chickongaz@hotmail.com

Aideen Hughes

Aideen Hughes has been playing cello and piano since the age of six. She performs regularly in orchestras and string quartets - recently receiving a diploma of associate from the London College of Music. Aideen is an experienced teacher of cello and piano. When working in Jamaica , she met Ziggy Marley, and wrote her first (as yet unpublished) book - 'Jamaican Me Krazy!!' Contact Aideen at aideenmhughes@yahoo.com