Originally from Perth, Australia, Chris has been playing drums since the age of twelve. At sixteen he was awarded an exceptional early entrance into the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), a renowned institution for producing the majority of Australia’s young jazz talent. Upon graduating WAAPA with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, Chris was one of three national finalists awarded ‘Best up and coming drummer in Australia’ in 2007. One of Chris’ original compositions was selected in 2008 for the upcoming national release of “Jazzaziz”, a compilation album featuring prolific jazz artists of Australia.

 

Chris moved to London, UK in 2009. There he taught music and worked freelance with a variety of different celebrated bands and performers in the Jazz, Rock and Pop arenas either performing live or in the studio. In the Summer of 2016 he did a European tour filling in for a hard rock band enabling them to take the time to find their full-time drummer. Just before leaving London, Chris decided to record one of his jazz groups, DGF Trio, an album entitled Impromptu, featuring guest artist Graeme Blevins.

 

In 2016 Chris moved to California where he continues to work freelance. He has expanded his repertoire playing shows and festivals with Blues, Americana and Jam Band artists.

He has toured across Australia, Asia and Europe and is quite comfortable playing to tens of thousands of people or quiet intimate venues.

 

Artists who have collaborated with Chris consistently remark on his groove, solid sense of timing, ability to listen, and overall musicality.