From his beginnings in Manchester, Chris was previously based in Qatar for 15 years as director of “Doha Jazz”. For the last decade Chris has based himself in Brighton where his playful be-bop style has been in evidence in the clubs and festivals around the area. Chris has played with and led collaborations with Jerry Weldon, Charenee Wade, Dominick Farinacci, Jason Brown, Alan Barnes, David Newton, Andy Panayi, Josephine Davies, Toni Kofi, Darren Beckett, Sara Oschlag, Imogen Ryall, and “The Damned”. Chris has appeared at many festivals and jazz clubs including; Jazz at The Lincoln Centre Doha, Appleby Jazz festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, Love Supreme, Leeds Jazz Festival, and Band On The Wall.
“Chris is a very lyrical musician who can be both sensitive and fiery with a great energy on stage. An excellent communicator with that classic bop trumpet sound. A joy to work with.”
Andy Panayi
Award winning saxophonist
“Chris is a beautiful lyrical trumpet player who embraces the great musical lineage of jazz.”
Dominick Farinacci
International jazz trumpeter and Wynton Marsalis protégé
“Since moving back to the UK Chris has firmly established himself with his excellent playing as a keeper of the flame in the classic jazz trumpet tradition and flowing be-bop lines.”
Steve Fishwick
Trumpet player and jazz lecturer
Teaching
Chris teaches trumpet and jazz theory (to all instruments) from his studio in Brighton. As well as being a performer, arranger and composer, (winner of Yorkshire TV’s jazz arranging prize in 1998) Chris is a qualified teacher (B.Sc, PGCE).
“Lessons with Chris are always challenging and productive. We looked at a range of exercises ad techniques in order to improve improvisation and stylistic playing. I felt a strong sense of progress from week to week. Looking back over the few years of instruction the amount I learned has been massive. Thank you Chris!”
Alex Baker, trumpet student and member of NYJO
“As a student, I’ve found Chris’s wealth of experience and mastery of the instrument a massive resource to draw from. With a knowledge of multiple styles and genres, Chris I’m sure would be helpful to any budding trumpet player.”
Josh Payne – Trumpet player, piano teacher and gigging musician.
“While briefly in town for a gig Chris gave me the single best lesson I’ve ever had. With laser focus, in one hour, he gave exactly what I asked for with a clear road-map of what and how to practice. 10 out of 10.”
Jon from Hexham