Biographic Information

Chris Lee
b. 1959 Portland, OR

As a composer, vibraphonist and drummer Chris Lee brings a distinct perspective to his music. He attended Marylhurst College and Portland State University, where he was a member of the percussion ensemble under the direction of Tomas Svoboda. He also attended the Ornette Coleman's Creative Music Studios, where he studied with Karl Berger and Jack DeJohnette on vibes and drums, respectively and the Cornish Institute with Sam Rivers and Dave Holland.

In 1980 Lee met and began a musical and personal journey with vocalist-cellist Colleen O'Brien to whom he is married. Together they have self-produced two recordings; Silent Talk  which features ECM recording artist Art Lande and Something Forgotten, Remembered which also features Lande as well as multi-instrumentalist Paul McCandless of the group Oregon. In 1989 Lee joined O'Brien and guitarist Khabu Doug Young to form the alternative chamber jazz group Primal Mates, which has produced two recordings; Primal Mates and Duo/Trio. Lee and O'Brien continue to tour and perform as Primal Mates where they are often joined by honorary "Mates" such as Mark Miller.

In addition to having performed and recorded his own music he has worked with such diverse artists as Joe Henderson, Lew Tabackin, Fred Hersch, Sheila Jordan, Gary Peacock, Julian Priester, Mose Allison, John Handy, Ernie Watts, Nancy King, Glen Moore, David "Fathead" Newman, George Cables, David Friesen, Leni Stern, Nguyen Lee, Sonny Simmons, Plas Johnson and others.

As a teacher, Chris has taught privately and on the faculty of the University of Oregon, Lewis & Clark College, and Naropa University as well as numerous master classes at many colleges and universities.

Lee resides in Boulder, Colorado, where he is currently active as a performer, composer and teacher.

as a leader:
SILENT TALK - (1984) with Art Lande and Colleen O'Brien.
SOMETHING FORGOTTEN , REMEMBERED - (1989) with Lande, O'Brien , Paul McCandless and Bill Douglass
PRIMAL MATES - (1992) with O'Brien and Khabu Doug Young.
PRIMAL MATES/ DUOS AND TRIOS - (1995) with O'Brien and Khabu Doug Young.

as a sideman:
RICH LAMB - (2008) w/ Ron Miles and Chuck Lamb
YOU ARE THERE - (2007) Ellen Ross w/ Peter Sommer
ON THE BRINK - (2007) Bob Montgomery/ Al Hermann Quintet
LOOKING BACK - (2006) Dan Schwindt w/ Pat Bianchi
PLAY ZONE - (2003) George Mitchell
MIRADOR - (2001) Clay Giberson
CHANGE OF HEART - (2001) Dan Balmer
PRESENT MOMENT , PRESENT PLACE - (1992) Kerry McCoy w/ Ernie Watts
CANTALINA - (1991) Bill Douglas
TINA PHILLIPS - (1990) with Art Lande and Paul Warburton.
PASSAGES - (1990) Rick Crittenden w/ Art Lande, Paul McCandless
DON'T FORGET THE WAY HOME - (1989) Dan Balmer w/ George Mitchell
REDWOOD RANGE - (1985) Frances Vanek Group

as a composer:
JAZZ CHILD - (1999) Sheila Jordon w / Steve Kuhn
THE HIDDEN JEWEL - (2002) Paul McCandless, Gunter Wehinger and Art Lande.