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Chris Wallace

“…a drummer of supreme musicality.” John Shand – Sydney Morning Herald

Chris Wallace is a drummer and composer originally from Regina, Saskatchewan. Between 2002 and 2013 he lived in Edinburgh, Scotland and was a central figure in the Scottish jazz community.

Chris is now based in Toronto, Canada.

Chris has just released the "Many Names" EP, recorded Dec 6, 2015 in Toronto ON. Canada. Showcasing his new compositions and paving the way for the quartet's first full length album in 2016. The band features award winning Canadian jazz musicians: Jeff King on tenor sax, Adrean Farrugia on piano and Dan Fortin on bass.

Best known for his work with the trios NeWt (Scottish Jazz Ensemble of the year 2012) and Breach, Chris has also released his own quartet album “Looking Glass” under the band name Loose Grip.

His newest project is the Chris Wallace Quintet. The first Chris Wallace Quintet album “Identity” is now available for digital download from iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon and anywhere you choose to download music. Physical copies of the CD are also available at www.chriswallacedrums.com.

Chris has worked in a wide variety of settings over the years. In the 1990′s he moved to Atlanta, GA, USA to work with underground American prog rock band Timothy Pure. The band released 2 acclaimed albums and toured Western Europe 3 times sharing stages with Uriah Heep, Asia, Saga and members of King Crimson among others.

During this period Chris was also a member of the Canadian indie pop group Blinki, one of Canada’s hardest touring bands of the year 2000, playing over 200 shows on a 7 month coast to coast Canadian tour.

In December of 2002 Chris left Vancouver to live in Edinburgh, Scotland. Upon arriving he began gigging on the local scene immediately. He toured to Spain and Denmark with Scottish celtic rock legends Wolfstone, and became a member of jazz/hip hop crossover group Live Sciences, recording the album “Bohemian Raps”.

Becoming more active on the jazz scene, he began performing with many of the nation’s top players such as Graeme Stephen, Paul Harrison, Phil Bancroft, Steve Hamilton, Kevin Mackenzie, Mario Caribe and many others. As a sideman he performed with international artists such as Jamie Oehlers, Jim Mullen, Silke Eberhard, Alan Barnes, Louis Durra, Damon Brown, Ulf Wakenius, Anders Bergkrantz and others.

Chris has backed many singers as well including Lady Rizo, Ali McGregor, Julienne Taylor, Lillian Boutee, Niki King and Holly Penfield.

In 2010 Chris was one of 5 Scottish jazz musicians selected to participate in “Air Time”, a professional development opportunity produced by Serious Music in London and supported by Creative Scotland. He was again selected as part of the “Air Time” third edition in 2012 which focused on composition and specifically writing for orchestral players in a cross-genre format. During the week the group of musicians were mentored by legendary British composer and saxophonist John Surman and the conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and others, Howard Moody.

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Recording

Edinburgh's Loose Grip Releases "Looking Glass" on Fabrikant Records

Edinburgh's Loose Grip Releases "Looking Glass" on Fabrikant Records

Source: Michael Ricci

Fabrikant Records is proud to announce the release of Looking Glass, the debut recording from an exciting new modern jazz quartet known as Loose Grip. The group is led by ex-pat Canadian drummer Chris Wallace and features 2009 Scottish Jazz Award winner Malcolm MacFarlane on guitar. Other members are Scottish jazz veteran John Burgess on tenor sax and American double bassist Sean Pentland. Wallace is building a reputation as one of Scotland's up and coming talents through his work with ...

Writing about the NeWt trio's second album 2010:

“It could be the best and most fearless contemporary jazz unit to come out of Scotland.” Selwyn Harris – Jazzwise

“Many of the compositions are by Wallace, showing a rare melodic sense as well as his evident propulsive skills.” David McNally – The Skinny

Writing about the Quartet album "Looking Glass" 2010:

“…this album is a triumph of mood and musical intelligence.” “…complex, accomplished writing…” Mark Gilbert – Jazz Journal

Primary Instrument

Drums

Location

Toronto

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Over 20 years professional touring and recording experience in a diverse range of genres. Studied technique with legendary educator/clinician Dom Famularo in New York, also studied with Ben Perowski and Willie Jones III. Lessons customized to student's individual needs. Reasonable rates.

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Many Names EP

Unknown label
2016

buy

NeWt "North"

Self Release
2013

buy

Breach "Borders"

Breach label
2012

buy

Breach "On the Walk"

Breach label
2011

buy

Staying In

From: Many Names
By Chris Wallace

North of Fitz

From: Identity
By Chris Wallace

Videos

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