Chris Rogers, a trumpeter and composer, has been a featured soloist with many well-known artists in Latin and jazz music throughout Europe, South America, Japan, and the United States. He began a five year association with Gerry Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band at the age of 19. This saw him replace Tom Harrell as the featured trombone. Chris has performed with Buddy Rich and Frank Sinatra as well as Lionel Hampton and The Mingus Big-Band. Chris was a 3-piece horn section leader for Eartha Kitt (“Carnegie Hall/JVC Jazz festival”) and Tonya Pinkins (“Jazz at Lincoln Center”). He recorded and performed with Terese, a San Francisco cabaret performer. He was a featured performer on the critically acclaimed 2007 recordings of Pete McGuiness (“First Flight”) and Gary Morgan (“Felicidades”) as well as Marty Sheller (“Why Deny”) His Broadway credits include “Fosse”, 42nd Street”, Paul Simon’s “Capeman”, and “Kiss Me Kate(lead),” as well as “Annie Get Your Gun”, the “Wonderful Town”, and “CATS”. He has been awarded by JAZZIZ as well as Downbeat magazines. He also plays on keyboards and EWI (Electric Wind Instrument). Chris, a native of New York City, is a product the city’s vibrant music scene. His playing style reflects his many influences. His jazz training was influenced by Barry Rogers, his great father. Chris was able to spend time with many musicians, including Eddie Palmieri, Randy Brecker, Lew Solloff, James Taylor, and Michael Brecker. Chris gained valuable experience while he was a member of The Brecker Brothers’ band, Soloff and Woody Shaw. Chris studied classical trumpet under Vincent Penzarella of The New York Philharmonic and was educated at the Manhattan School of Music and the University of Miami’s (“Famed”) High School of Music and Art. Chris’ debut album, “Voyage Home”, will be released in 2009. It features Michael Brecker (13-time Grammy Award winner saxophonist) and Ted Nash (lead alto with Wynton Marsalis).
