The Bio

Chris became enamored with the drum set at age of 5 after first seeing a broadcast of The Beatles film "A Hard Day's Night".   Once his parents realized he was not wearying of playing his makeshift kit made from a tin Micky Mouse drum, a wire book rack (a resonant cymbal substitute) and a plastic ice cream tub, they started him on lessons in his home town of Richfield, Ohio with Don Griggs.  Under Don's tutelage, he discovered jazz and fusion, and began playing in rock bands at age 12.   Combining that early ensemble experience with multiple years as section leader in his high school marching band's percussion section, as well as study with Akron professional Jack Butcher, Chris entered the University of Akron majoring in music education, studying drumset under the renown Bob McKee, former band leader for the Mike Douglas show.  Bob’s instruction lead him directly a gig in the Checker’s Cabaret house band aboard Norweigians Cruise Line’s S/S Norway, playing everything from top 40 to oldies, to salsa, to jazz.

Back on land, when Chris' rock band received label interest from labels in Nashville, he and his friends made the move to Music City.  There, Chris not only performed with his own original acts, but also found work with the burgeoning singer-songwriter circle.  Having begun learning hand-drum technique with Jack Butcher in Akron, Chris continued developing his hand percussion chops with session player and author Glen Caruba.  Chris' experience with both Latin percussion and drumset led Chris to a great deal of work in the '90s backing artists building careers and tour circuits utilzing the "unplugged" sound, and found him backing such artists as Bret Barry, John Cox, Tom Shumate, Jay Speight, and Scott Riggan.   

Chris and longtime song-writing partner David A. Terry own Sodium Glow Music, a production and publishing company to find placements for their own music, as well as provide production and artist development services for other artists seeking to place their best feet forward.  They have songs that have been featured in major motion pictures, on television, both in the US and abroad.  As part of Sodium Glow Music, Chris has contuned to utilize his broad  palette of musical skills, playing not only drums, but guitar, keyboard, bass, and singing background vocals (and the occasional lead) on many of the projects that he and David co-produce. 

Chris has recently lent his drumming to albums by John Schlitt, Mark Lee Townsend, Classic Petra Resurrection, wrong George, and Sheri Riley. When not in studio or on the road with country artist Crystal Leigh, Chris continues to play locally with his acclaimed Beatles cover band called The English Rain, and with classic rock cover all-stars, The Jay Sekulow Band.  Both bands are made up of music industry veterans, and both do live performances that are streamed world wide, with fans on every continent.

Chris plays WFL III Drums exclusively.

Check them out.