about
Chris Comhaill AKA Front Row Seats is the pseudonym of guitarist, producer and songwriter Christopher Cole. Described as an "exciting, fresh endeavour to create something new; a unique blend of improvisation, folk, world and contemporary" (The Irish Times) and “a transcendent mix of composition and improvisation” (Jazz Ireland), Chris creates music across an eclectic array of genres. His debut EP ‘Fuinneog’ (2023) received critical acclaim upon release and offers a window into his musical world marrying contemporary, classical and Celtic.
Chris’ virtuosic performances have seen him travel the world with his guitar. He has been invited to perform his Dúchas - Celtic Guitar project at the Irish Embassy in Tanzania, the Irish Cultural Centre London and the Florence Academy of Art Italy, as well as having sold out shows in prestigious venues such as the Whale Theatre, St. Patricks Cathedral and the National Concert Hall of Ireland in his hometown of Dublin. He has performed for crowds at Irish festivals such as Electric Picnic and Body & Soul and has had the honour of playing for An tUachtarán - the President of Ireland - Michael D. Higgins. He has played support for and shared the stage with acts such as The Script, George Ezra, Kurt Elling, Celine Byrne, Paul Byrom, KÍLA and Mundy. Chris studied music at UCD, BIMM and DCU and holds an Honours Degree and Masters Degree, as well as a performance Diploma (achieved with distinction) in Guitar Performance.
Chris regularly tours with his Dúchas - Celtic Guitar project; a repertoire of Celtic music reimagined for the modern day using contemporary harmony, improvisation and digital technology. He leads the duo Dúchas thar Farraige, a colloborative extension of his solo Dúchas project, with Danish double-bassist Otso Mielonen. He is co-director of the Celtic music group Celtic Calling. He is one half of the duo Happy Accident with acclaimed cellist Rory Pierce. As a producer he writes and releases contemporary music under the moniker Front Row Seats exploring his love of jazz, neo-soul and hip-hop. He is one half of the songwriting, recording and production team First of Many Productions with Barry Sheerin that operates out of their recording studio in Athlone. He is guitarist with The Tenters jazz music ensemble. He is the director of the world music group w-IRE ME with singer Filipa Quintino. He is a composer for film and an in-demand session musician. Chris is proud to have been a recipient of the DLR Artist Development bursary for 2022. He was DLR Emerging Musician-in-Residence for 2023 and the Tyrone Guthrie Composer-in-Residence 2023. Chris is grateful for his work to have been kindly supported by DLR Arts, the Arts Council of Ireland, Creative Ireland and Music Network Ireland.
Chris enjoys a schedule of regular performing, touring, teaching and producing along with devoting time to developing and sharing his music. He is also delighted to perform at weddings and events throughout the country and abroad. His fluency on both electric and acoustic guitar in a diverse range of styles has kept him in high demand as a session musician. His love of Celtic song, story, folklore and history shapes much of his creative practice. When you can't find him in the studio or rehearsal room then he is likely swimming at one of his favourite spots along the Dublin coastline.
Contact:
ChrisComhaill@gmail.com
FrontRowSeatsBeats@gmail.com