Chris has been playing and teaching for over 40 years. Starting at the age of seven he studied classical guitar with Gabe Cornella in Phoenix Arizona. At the age of 15 he heard the legendary fingerstyle guitarist Leo Kottke for the first time on a PBS special and was inspired to learn the style. After a couple years of immersion into fingerpicking, two life changing events took place. Perusing through the channels on TV, Chris happened upon a guitar player named Larry Carlton and was absolutely fascinated by the concept of Jazz/Rock guitar and improvisation in general. Shortly thereafter a guitarist named Randy Buzzelli did a clinic at Chris’ high school concerning a school in Hollywood CA. known as G.I.T. (Guitar Institute of Technology). In 1982 Chris began classes at G.I.T. ( Now known as Musicians Institute ) and he completed three of four ten week sessions before moving back to Phoenix to gain some much needed experience and practice time.

Throughout the mid 80’s Chris was teaching private students in local Phoenix music stores. Chris honed his own skills by studying jazz at Arizona State University and performing in several working bands in the greater Phoenix area. In 1987 Chris went back to G.I.T. and finished the program graduating in November of that year. 

After again moving back to Phoenix he was fortunate enough to be part of the locally renowned fusion style group known as the Ten O’clock Band led by the great jazz pianist and ASU Jazz Dept. director Chuck Marohnic. This band also included the now New York based tenor player Tony Malaby on saxophones along with Todd Chuba on drums and Jim Simmons on bass.

In 1997 Chris’ quartet ODD MAN OUT won the Phoenix New Times Best of Phoenix award for jazz groups. This band featured many of Chris’ own compositions. The quartet included Bryon Ruth on tenor sax, Ted Sistrunk on bass and John Neish on Drums.

From 1997 -2008 Chris was the Jazz Guitar Instructor at Arizona State University. Among his duties besides the jazz guitar studio, Chris also taught beginning / advanced improvisation and coached combos. This time was also a great learning experience for Chris both as a player and a person. 

Under the direction of Chuck Marohnic till 2005 and Mike Kocour 2006-2008. Chris was afforded many great playing and learning opportunities. The Jazz faculty at ASU has always been top notch and working there proved to be an incredible adventure for Chris.

Relocating to South Dakota Chris is very involved with the music scene in and around Sioux Falls. 

Genre:  Jazz/Fusion