Like many Americans, Chris White grew up watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with his family. He especially loved the music — for example, the jazzy melancholy tune “Christmas Time is Here” and the bouncy “Lucy and Linus” song with a rocking bass line.
Now as a professional jazz pianist living in the Chicago area, White performs “Charlie Brown” music during the holiday season with his group, The Chris White Trio.
Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, and calling Chicago home by way of Bloomington, Indiana—where he earned a master’s in jazz studies from Indiana University—pianist Chris White has been a rock-solid presence in the Chicago jazz community since his arrival in 2000. His output includes CDs as a bandleader, working with notable jazz musicians in a variety of settings, and university-level teaching since earning his DMA from University of Illinois in 2010.
Chris was joined by a bassist for dancing after dinner. We wanted jazz and they delivered. I LOVED the music. Chris’s rendition of “the Nearness of You” — our 1st dance — was the best I’ve ever heard. They even played a tarantella for our best man. His bassist was excellent (approved even by my grandfather, who was a cellist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for 20 years).
– A Chicago Bride
Chris White’s album is my favorite solo jazz piano album on the market. His fresh arrangements of esteemed standards and beloved classics truly speak for themselves, and his warm, silky touch provides a tranquil escape for sore ears, in a world filled with loud and obnoxious music. I listen to Chris’ CD almost every day and each time, I am still amazed at his flawless technique, exquisite interpretations, and sublime original compositions. I regularly flip open my fake-books to the very same tunes that appear on this album and attempt to play them with the ease and skill that Chris does, but I simply cannot…these arrangements are, in a word, perfect. After listening to this magnificent recording, I would recommend it to anyone, it makes the perfect gift for musicians and music lovers alike! Well done!
– Cory Parkinson (composer/pianist)
CEREMONY MUSIC: Chris White, pianist: A++ RECEPTION MUSIC: Chris White and bassist: A++
– From TheKnot.com