Wow! "The Way I See It" is stunning. Great Bluegrass and Bluegrass Gospel. A wide variety of songs that offer incredible harmonies, awesome playing, and a message or two for those who listen. Guests vocalists include Bluegrass powerhouse Amanda Smith of the Kenny & Amanda Smith Band, Jerry McMillan of the original Lonesome River Band, Jeff Huss & Darin Lawrence of the popular Blinky Moon Boys, as well as as some other awesome vocalists. It's not often that such a talented musician and singer comes along with an ability to write incredible songs. Chris Burtons' first solo project, "The Way I See It" has it all. Chris is playing all of the instruments except fiddle and old-time banjo, which appears on the last track. He is an award winning banjo player (Galax - first place) and also plays a mean guitar, mandolin, and bass. Somehow, he has the knack for putting it all together. He leaves the fiddle playing to two of the best in the business. Sought after studio man Ron Stewart, who is part of JD Crowe And The New South, and Rickie Simpkins of Tony Rice Unit fame. Chris sings some lead and much of the harmony on the CD, but leaves the bulk of the lead singing to some of the best vocalists in the industry. Chris explains: "When I write, I picture or hear in my mind who I think would sound good on or fit that tune. I am blessed to know some great lead singers." "The Way I See It" has eleven originals and five covers thrown in for good measure. The balance of the CD is struck perfectly. It kicks off with a unique, driving Lonesome And Heartbroken Some, followed by an old New Grass Revival tune Chris ressurected. Next is the critically acclaimed "My Old Friend," about a friend of Chris' who was killed serving his country. Next is a driving original banjo instrumental (check out the fiddle break!) followed by a poignant four-part Bluegrass Gospel tune with some wonderful finger picking guiter. It goes on from there, winding through the many different roads this music can travel. According to Ron Stewart: "Chris Burton is one of those guys that just has too much talent! Great musician, singer, and songwriter, and that's a rare combo for sure, not to mention a great guy! I really enjoyed working on this project, and enjoy listening to it even more. Good songs, good picking, and good singing. What more is there? Chris grew up in the Washington DC Metropolitan area and began playing Banjo at age 14. At 17, he placed third in the Bluegrass Banjo Competition at the world famous Galax Fiddlers Convention. After placing in that competition 8 times, he finally won first place in 1994. Chris' current band, Exit 109, recently took first place in the prestigious Bluegrass Band Competition this year(2005)at Galax. Out of necessity over the years, Chris also learned to play the guitar, mandolin, and bass. He has been playing Bluegrass and some Classic Rock up and down the east coast for 20 years. He played banjo around DC with Brandy Station, Durham Station, and Last Exit. He has also played with Blue Night and a number of other local bands in SW Virginia. He spent five years as bassist with the Blinky Moon Boys. While with them, they beat The Dixie Chicks two years in a row at the SPGMA Competition in Nashville, TN. He recently sang on the Blinky's debut CD entitled "Moonlight Theater" on the Hay Holler label. Chris played bass on a project a number of years ago with Dan Tyminski, renowned singer and Guitar player with Alison Krauss and of "Oh Brother" fame. He as backed up the legendary Chubby Wise, done shows with Sammy Shelor, Terry Baucom, Hershel Sizemore, Jimmy Haley, Ron Stewart, James King, and a number of other well known Bluegrass artists. He has opened for the Johnson Mountain Boys, Nashville Bluegrass Band, Del McCoury, Alison Krauss, and Ralph Stanley. Chris, his wife Sarah and their two children make their home in Roanoke, Virginia.