Chris Otto’s music is sometimes mellow, sometimes upbeat, and often experimental. At its heart is the natural beauty of the Native American flute that holds it all together. Influenced by folk traditions from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Scandinavia, the Andes, and  beyond, Chris blends these sounds into a unique style of music. Experimental rock and the blues were influences during his formative years; those styles find their way into his music, as well.

     Chris has been playing the Native American flute since 1998. He hopes to bring Native American flute music to new audiences and bring the instrument into new genres of music. He is known as the flute/whistle player for the popular St. Louis Irish Folk/Rock band "Rusty Nail," but it was the Native American flute that first inspired him to perform and record music. He has played with experimental rock bands and jazz musicians in the St. Louis area and was a founding member of the percussion-based world music jam band, "The Raw Earth Experience."

     His early love of music lead him to try a number of instruments in his search for musical expression. Playing trombone, piano, and harmonica gave Chris an appreciation of many forms of music, but none of them spoke through him. 

Chris at the INAFA (International Native American Flute Association) Convention in 2010.

     When he discovered the Native  American flute, he knew that he had  found his voice. Chris states, "The music is there in the flutes, you just have to let it out.”

     After years of live performances, Chris has released his first full length CD, "Rain on Broken Glass" in 2008 . Five years in the making, it was a true labor of love. The CD pays homage to traditional Native American flute music, while reflecting influences from folk music from around the world. Chris's music represents a new voice for the Native American flute.