Chris West

Born and raised in Nashville, TN, Chris started music at a young age. His passion for music grew through high school as he won many awards. Chris attended Belmont University where he earned a Bachelors degree in Commercial music composition/performance, where he studied under saxophonist Jeff Kirk. After graduation, Chris took 5 years off from school to tour, and returned to school in 2002. He earned his Masters in Jazz Studies from Middle Tennessee State University, where he studied under Don Aliquo.
Chris has performed/toured the world with several major acts such as Charles Walker and the Dynamites, Mile 8, Deana Carter, Brenda Lee, Johnny Reid, Mike Farris, Melissa Etheridge, Robert Randolf, My Morning Jacket, JoJo Herman (Widespread Panic), The Temptations, The Four Tops, Brian Setzer, Little Big Town, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Bob Babbit, Jennifer Nettles, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), and many others. Chris has also have a very successful career as a studio musician, having recorded with/for Shania Twain, Toby Mac, Brandon Heath, Building 429, Carter Shy, Aleon Craft, Rodney Crowell, Peter Keys (Parliment, Lynard Skynard), Mike Whittaker, Jack White, Drew Baldridge, Johnny Reid, Marquee Mayfield, and many others.
Chris is also a composer and arranger. He has had original songs placed in several TV shows including the Originals (CW), Togetherness, Queen Sugar (OWN), Star (Fox), The Marvelous Mrs Maisel (Amazon), and Black-ish, as well as several commercials.