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Chris Lee (27)

Jazz composer, drummer, and vibraphonist originally from Portland, OR and now based in Boulder, CO. From web site: 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.