CHRIS HO BAND BIO Chris Ho, founder and leader of the Chris Ho Band, combines his talent as composer and keyboardist to create new music that includes jazz, latin, classical, rock, asian, gospel and pop influences. A prolific composer and virtuoso jazz pianist, his performances display a devotion to beauty, passion, new edge cutting ideas and imagination. Dynamic interplay between band members and breathtaking improvisations are a constant feature in this group! Chris' first release, LIFETIME (Ichiban Records 1997) appeared on over 250 radio stations and was hailed "brilliantly wrought" by JAZZIZ critic Jonathan Widran. LIFETIME was also Grammy nominated that year. GROWING UP, released in 1998, received praise as "picture perfect...elegant funk". Smokey Robinson makes an appearance here on a jazz scat vocal. PICASSO BLUE (RHOMBUS RECORDS 2000) features new compositions and spectacular performances by guest artists Karen Briggs on violin, Tony Lewis on drums, Ralph Penland, Dan Potruch and Gary Wing also on drums! This cd, influenced by Miles Davis and Pablo Picasso, charted 38 on the GAVIN JAZZ charts in October. PICASSO BLUE displays a unique musical canvas where traditional shades of blue mix with the bright colors of contemporary jazz. Chris Ho's fourth cd is CHRISTMAS JAM (MERRIMACK RECORDS 2001). It is an exciting and eclectic "jam" with outstanding guests including elder statesman Hubert Laws and Phil Upchurch! Also featured on vocals are Tata Vega, Patti and Robert Henley the 3rd, Dr. Matt Van Benschoten and wife Tina. Chris arranged and produced all the tracks instrumentally and vocally except for John Balbuena's This Christmas Day. There are 4 traditional Christmas songs and 8 originals by Chris Ho. All four cd albums received critical acclaim by major critics internationally and here in the states!! Recently Chris Ho was honored in council chambers at Los Angeles City Hall as an award recipient for Los Angeles Music Week in recognition ... "your profound inspiration, creative expression and extraordinary musical talent, you have helped to enhance the beauty of our culture and enrich the lives of those in our community and in the city of Los Angeles." The award was presented on December 5th 2003 to Chris and fellow band member John Balbuena for educational achievements! Chris Ho has written over 6000 pieces of new music and has been a published composer and publisher since 1984 (ASCAP and BMI). He is also copublished with Motown legend Smokey Robinson and has toured and recorded with Mr. Robinson for over 20 years. The Chris Ho Band has provided world class performances for the following: PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL, UNIVERSAL CITYWALK, TOWER RECORDS, BORDERS BOOKS AND MUSIC,BLUE JAY JAZZ FESTIVAL, LONG BEACH JAZZ FESTIVAL, CALIFORNIA POPPY FESTIVAL, HOLLYWOOD BOWL ARTS FESTIVAL, HOLLYWOOD PARK CASINO, HOUSE OF BLUES L.A., LOA ANGELES AFRICAN ARTS MARKETPLACE, MALIBU ART FEST, MARTIN AND WEYRICH JAZZ SERIES, CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL, TOFU FEST, WARNER CONCERTS IN THE PARK, MANHATTAN BEACH ARTS FEST, CALIFORNIA YACHT CLUB, THE JONATHAN CLUB, MARINA DEL REY BOAT SHOW, JET PROPULSION LAB, CAL TECH, PERSHING SQUARE, MISSION VIEJO JAZZ FEST, SAN ANTONIO WINERY, LAGUNA ART MUSEUM AND MANY MORE!