Chris Humphrey
The Chris Humphrey Big Band has been playing for audiences all over New England for the last 5 years, and features some of the finest musicians in Maine and NH. Chris Humphrey is a finalist in the Jazzmobile Vocal Jazz Competition taking place this summer and fall in New York City. Over 125 singers auditioned and Mr. Humphrey is one of eight finalists. The final competition will take place in a NY jazz club this August or September. Chris Humphrey is a musician who is multi-faceted in his talents and accomplishments. A jazz vocalist, whose primary focus is the use of the voice as an instrument, Chris is an improviser and composer as well as an interpreter of song. He is a veteran jazz singer, having worked with Denon recording artists, The Ritz, and the vocal jazz quintet, Vocalease. With The Ritz, he recorded the CD Almost Blue, which featured Humphrey’s singing, composing, and arranging talents. As a soloist, Mr. Humphrey has been dubbed an "outstanding talent" (Sheila Jordan) and "a creative force" (Roberta Davis) by critics and performers who have heard his work.
He has performed at Blue Note Jazz Clubs in New York, Tokyo, Jakarta, and Fukuoka, Japan. He has also appeared at numerous jazz festivals throughout the United States and abroad. His debut CD as a leader, Nothing but Blue Sky which was recorded in New York City has just been released on Cadence Jazz Records with acclaimed drummer Matt Wilson, bassist Martin Wind and pianist Mark Shilansky. Together the ensemble creates a vivid tapestry of textures and technique among tastefully selected standards and well crafted Humphrey originals.Chris has taught jazz piano at the University of Southern Maine. Additionally, Humphrey is the Director of Music at Cheverus High School in Portland, Maine. Previously Chris has been the Director of vocal jazz at the University of Southern Maine, and the University of New Hampshire. He is often a guest conductor and clinician, having led district and All-State jazz festivals in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Humphrey has also enjoyed many opportunities as a vocalist and arranger. His performance opportunities have included performances with Clark Terry, Louie Bellson, Snooky Young, and Marshall Royal including performances with Phreydom recording artist VocalEase. Humphrey was also the featured solo vocalist with The Terry White Big Band, The Portland Jazz Orchestra, The Seacoast Big Band, The Branch Sanders Big Band, and the University of New Hampshire Jazz Band.
Chris Humphrey is in demand as a composer, arranger, performer, conductor, and clinician. He has had works for concert band, chorus, jazz choir, chamber ensemble and marching band commissioned by several New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts school music programs. He has performed and conducted his own music as guest conductor/artist in residence at numerous festivals throughout New England, as well as Washington State, Iowa, Pennsylvania and Germany. These experiences have continued Humphrey’s exploration and experimentation with complex harmony, rhythm and technically diverse vocal presentations clearly exhibited in his latest release Nothing but Blue Sky, on Cadence Jazz Records.
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