Christopher Lockett is a Los Angeles based singer-songwriter with deep Southern roots watered liberally with world travel, an open ear and a hungry mind.

Lockett has been to Graceland as many times as he’s been to West Africa. Three trips to each in case you’re wondering. His work as a Cinematographer has taken him around the world, often to very difficult and challenging places.

A powerful live performer, Lockett’s show usually features guitar, harmonica, jaw harp, mbira (AKA kalimba), mandolin, fiddle, Appalachian dulcimer – all anchored by djembe or cajon. Depends on the night. Depends on the lineup. Depends on what instrument Lockett has brought hom from his most recent travels.

If all he’s brought back are thoughts and observations on politics, religion and the troubles wrought by destructive corporate practices globally and at home, expect to hear about it. He is a former journalist. He can’t help it. The First Amendment, he believe, only works if you use it.

He also believes that shakin’ what you got and using your mind are not mutually exclusive.

He is joined on his debut album by such seasoned and talented artists as Amy Farris (Ray Price, Alejandro Escovedo, Brian Wilson, Kelly Willis, Dave Alvin), Skip Heller (NRBQ, Stan Ridgway, Wanda Jackson, Todd Rundgren, Rosie Flores, Les Baxter, Yma Sumac, Robert Drasnin, Rick Danko, Dave Alvin Carol Kaye), Mona Tavakoli (Raining Jane, Jason Mraz), Voyce McGinley III (Kitaro, Severin Browne, Amy Kuney), Craig Ferguson (Cliff Wagner and the Old #7, Erik Janson), Irina Bjorklund (Peter Fox & Vintage Espresso) and Trevi Fligg.