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Chris Humphrey

A jazz vocalist, whose primary focus is the use of the voice as an instrument, Chris is an improvisor and composer as well as an interpreter of song. He is a veteran jazz singer, having worked with Denon recording artists, THE RITZ, and vocal jazz quintet, VOCALEASE. With THE RITZ, he recorded the CD "Almost Blue", which featured his singing, composing, and arranging talents. As a soloist, he has been dubbed an "outstanding talent" (Sheila Jordan) and "a creative force" (Roberta Davis) by critics and performers who have heard his work. He has performed at Blue Note Jazz Clubs in New York, Tokyo, Jakarta, and Fukuoka, Japan. He has also appeared at numerous jazz festivals throughout the United States and abroad. HIS DEBUT CD was RELEASED in 2007 on CADENCE JAZZ RECORDS, featuring Matt Wilson on drums, Martin Wind on bass and Mark Shilansky on piano. His newest album is being released 15 YEARS LATER! "The Voice Of Clark Terry" Comes out in 2022!

Chris Humphrey: The Voice of Clark Terry

Read "The Voice of Clark Terry" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello

by Nicholas F. Mondello
August 29, 2022

With the possible exception of Louis Armstrong, Clark Terry was probably the most unique trumpet “stylist" in jazz history. Hearing one note you would bet the farm that it was CT. Chris Humphrey's The Voice of Clark Terry, Vol. 1 is a marvelously unique salute. This recording presents a dozen Terry-composed originals. They are sung superbly by Humphrey with brilliant original lyrics provided by drummer Les Harris, Jr. As an additional treat, Humphrey s(w)ings “vocalesed" lyrics— again ...

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Album Review

Chris Humphrey: Nothing but Blue Sky

Read "Nothing but Blue Sky" reviewed by C. Michael Bailey

by C. Michael Bailey
February 16, 2008

Vocalist/composer Chris Humphrey's release Nothing but Blue Sky continues a recent trend of jazz vocal recordings that feature the vocalist backed sparingly with a piano trio or less instrumentation, without brass or reeds. This enables craftsmen like Humphrey to both explore and display their talents for both singing and, in the case of Humphrey, arranging the music he sings.Perhaps the best way to describe Humphrey's vocal talent is durable. His voice is neither pretty nor unpretty. It is ...

Recording

Jazz Vocalist Chris Humphrey Unveils Clark Terry Tribute

Source: Chris Humphrey
August 2, 2022

Jazz vocalist/pianist Chris Humphrey has been working with drummer Les Harris Jr. on a labor of love in tribute to the great jazz trumpeter Clark Terry. Clark Terry was one of the only musicians to play with both Duke Ellington and Count Basie's orchestras. His sound on the trumpet and flugelhorn is immediately recognizable and his roots in the blues and soulfully felt music are deep and rich. Clark Terry was given an honorary PHD from the University of NH ...
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Event

Chris Humphrey and Matt Wilson in Portland, Maine, October 15

Source: All About Jazz
October 11, 2006

JAZZ SINGER CHRIS HUMPHREY AND DRUMMER MATT WILSON @ STARBIRD'S, PORTLAND

Internationally renowned jazz artist, Matt Wilson will perform with jazz singer Chris Humphrey at the Starbird Recital Hall in Portland with Martin Wind on bass, Matt Langley on saxophones, and Mark Shilansky on piano.

Starbird's Recital Hall, 525 Forest Ave, Portland Maine Sunday, October 15th, 2006 7PM $12 admission in advance/$15 at door. Tickets available at all Bull Moose locations

Jazz singer Chris ...
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“Humphrey has the impeccable ability to transform a melody into something previously unheard.” – C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz “His is a talent that deserves to flourish. You’re in the company of the next great American jazz singer.” – Thomas Conrad, Jazz Times “Chris projects a sincerity and hipness that never falters, sounds forced or without reserve. It allows him to simply be himself and project the final piece of the whole: individuality. We listeners are fortunate to have available this kind of talent to balance out the forgettable.” – Bob Rusch, Cadence Jazz “Chris sure can sing, what a joy! His singing knocks me out! This guy is a gas!” – jazz legend Sheila Jordan