Only in the folk/acoustic genre can you find songwriting in its purest form, and Chris Ayer crafts some of the best chord progressions you’re likely to hear from a folk musician. With carefully composed finger-picking and unorthodox chord changes, his acoustic songwriting is refined and precise. Simple and honest lyrics to complete the package, so it is clear why he is garnering a lot of attention.

Ayer has already won an impressive number of songwriting titles and honors. These include the John Lennon Songwriting Award for folk music for his song “Evaporate,” a finalist spot in the NY Songwriters Circle Competition for his song “Awake” and a third place spot in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest for his song “Opening”. With 400 shows already under his belt, Ayer has begun work with new managers who have had extensive tour experience with acts like Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers and Bruce Hornsby. He is currently playing with a new full band based out of New York City and is working toward the first album release with this band. He is also planning a UK tour for late 2010 in addition to his US dates. To hear Ayer’s impressive songwriting firsthand, listen to his song “Say What You Mean.”