Christopher Mark Jones is a down-home multi-lingual song artist drawing from folk, country, blues and jazz for his folk rock meditations. Using diverse points-of-view to narrate and critique life and love in uncertain times, he invites listeners to think, feel and tap their feet. Recorded and live arrangements leave space for his musical co-conspirators to both express their personalities and honor the host creation. Listeners hear echoes of “Greg Brown’s pacing and a Lyle Lovett attitude” (Ben Shannon), as well as of John Prine and Bruce Coburn.
Between careers as a basketball player and French professor, Jones busked in Paris, toured the UK, Denmark, and Holland, and played New England clubs. He now tours solo from Pittsburgh, PA, and plays regionally in formats varying from solo to full band. Looking for the Light (2021) is his sixth recording of original folk/roots songs, while Montréal Encore (2022) is a French-language recording created in collaboration with the poet Bernard Pozier. For the On The Tracks show, Christopher will be joined by cousin Dave Gillespie on acoustic and electric guitars and vocals, and Greg Winters on acoustic fretless bass.
Al Bettis was inspired to start writing and singing music at age 30. He felt a spiritual calling to heal the world through music, so he picked up a guitar and a notepad and got to work. The self-trained acoustic guitarist has gained popularity for his smooth vocals and sincere lyrics. His shows are a journey through love, heartbreak and redemption as he offers stories about the musings behind many of his songs. His soothing voice is reminiscent of legends like Al Green and Otis Redding, with musical influence from artists such as Ed Sheeran and Jason Mraz.
Al Bettis is a constant fixture at festivals such as Detroit River Days, Michigan State Fair, Meridian Winter Blast, Ann Arbor Art Festival, and Ford Arts, Beats and Eats. He has featured in both the Sofar and Cultivate Cafe concert series, performing in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Cleveland and Ypsilanti. He performed for an intimate crowd at the historic Langston Hughes House in Harlem, and played for Taylor Guitars at the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) trade shows in Anaheim and Nashville. He is featured frequently on Taylors Guitars’ artist spotlights.
Al gained media attention with his debut EP, “Live in Detroit”, performing on CBS, WXYZ, The 700 Club and Fox 2 tv shows. His music has been featured on Ann Arbor 107.1, Mix 92.3 Detroit, Radio One Detroit, and Gospel music stations across the country. He has opened up for artists such as the legendary Dionne Warwick, Valerie June, Dwele, Leon Timbo, Madison McFerrin, Jon B., and Michael McDonald.