Biography

Chris was immediately consumed by the guitar at the age of 10. At 12, he was playing solos in his middle school jazz band in Troy Michigan. By 14 he was playing professionally in a local Top 40 cover band. Before graduating from high school Chris had composed and arranged compositions for his jazz band, arranged scores for his high school musicals "Grease" and "Pippin", played in multiple settings with a variety of styles, and performed on local radio and television shows. Throughout his young adult life, Chris matured his craft by studying and playing with some of the best blues, rock, acoustic and jazz artists in the greater Detroit area. Because of this diverse experience, Chris was inspired to share his knowledge and expertise, and thus began a career as a private guitar instructor the age of 23.

Chris is well respected by peers, students and fans alike. He has earned a reputation as a true professional in his musicianship, his instruction, and his demeanor. He has performed and recorded with some of the top bands in Detroit, including Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Mark Farner, Alto Reed, The Bluewater Kings, Jill Jack, Billy Brandt, Julianne Ankley, The CB3 Jazz Trio, Cathy Davis and The Soulsearchers, Barbara Payton, Revision, Laura Wilkie, Mark Reitenga, The Reefermen, Blackman and Arnold World Jazz Band, The Killer Flamingos, The Butler Twins, The James Cloyd Group, Curtis Sumpter Project, Nikki James and the Flamethrowers, Joy Sparks, and hosts two weekly open jam sessions featuring some of the best talent in the city. In addition to his busy performance schedule, Chris devotes a large amount of focus on his current job as the Director of Instructors at Axis Music Academy, where he recruits and trains teachers, develops lesson materials and curriculum guidelines, and weekly mentors 30 of his own students. Chris also volunteers some of his free time performing at local churches, schools, and community centers for charities and enrichment programs.

The versatility heard and felt in his unique style is mirrored by the diversity of his influences. Chris is inspired by an array of artists such as B.B. King, Thelonius Monk, Miles Davis, Johnny Cash, John Scofield, Scotty Anderson, Ricky Scaggs, Paco DeLucia, Jimmi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard, Freddie King, Albert King, Albert Collins, Eric Clapton, Wes Montgomery, to mention more than a few. Like all true musicians, Chris understands that there is genius to be studied in all genres of music.
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