Chris Klaxton
​Growing up in a supportive family, Chris Klaxton was encouraged to study music from a young age and inevitably found himself embarking on a life and career in music. While at the University of New Hampshire under the tutelage of Dr. Robert Stibler, Klaxton soon realized his commitment to the horn and was fortunate to form a relationship with jazz legend Clark Terry. Learning the music and history from Clark, as well as traveling with Clark as an assistant and travel manager, were profoundly deep and eye opening experiences for Klaxton.

A several year stint in Miami afforded Klaxton the opportunity to study with trumpet luminaries Brian Lynch and Jason Carder, perform alongside and learn from trumpeter Dave Douglas, as well as study composition and trumpet with renowned trumpeter and film composer Terence Blanchard. Rehearsing and performing in a small ensemble directed by Blanchard became a pivotal experience in Klaxton’s development as a player.
    
As a freelance trumpet player, pianist, and educator, Chris Klaxton has found himself part of a world class musical community spanning from jazz to bluegrass/country, hip hop, reggae, indie rock, and classical music. As pianist and trumpeter for New England hip hop group The Press Project, Klaxton has opened for Soulive, Boyz II Men, George Clinton, and was invited to perform at the 2008 Bonnaroo Music Festival.

Klaxton is a current member of critically acclaimed NH based Tan Vampires, contributing trumpet, guitar, and percussion and also appears regularly as trumpeter and keyboardist with Moe Pope, Boston EMCEE and recently voted “Hip Hop Artist of the Year” (2012 Boston Music Awards).

As a composer, Chris Klaxton’s work is featured in his self-led ensembles as well as In Ears and Eyes, an experimental performing/visual art project with artist Roger Goldenberg.

Chris Klaxton has recorded with:

• The Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra (for Pharrell Williams)

• Steve Grover (with George Garzone, Christine Correa, Frank Carlberg, and Sean Farias)

• Randy Bernsen (featured alongside John Medeski on “Groove On”)

• Moe Pope and Rain

• Tan Vampires

•  Allen Lowe (with Matthew Shipp and Michael Gregory Jackson)

•  Jazzputin and the Jug Skunks

•  Mary Dellea

•  Elsa Cross

• The Politix

• Chris Klaxton Group

• The Arcitype.

    
As an educator, Klaxton has spent his time teaching trumpet, piano, and improvisation in a one-on-one format as well as coaching ensembles, leading workshops, and guiding students through the composition process. Chris has recently been appointed by the New Hampshire Council on the Arts to the NH Teaching Artists Roster. Chris is available year-round for institutional residencies throughout the state of New Hampshire.
    
Chris is currently on faculty at:

• University of Southern Maine - Adjunct professor Jazz Trumpet, Adjunct Professor Jazz Piano
• Plymouth State University, Director of Jazz Bands
• Portsmouth Music and Arts Center
• St. Anselm College, Jazz Ensemble Director

CURRENT PROJECTS:

Tan Vampires  (trumpet/guitar/percussion)
New Hampshire-based indie rock ensemble performing throughout east coast 
Music has appeared on MTV’s “The Real World”
“Best Band in New Hampshire”—Boston Phoenix 2010
Appeared on NPR’s All Songs Considered  and NHPR's Word of Mouth

OURBIGBAND
18-piece big band performing classic big band repertoire as well as original works and the pop standards of today

Moe Pope  (trumpet/guitar/keyboards)
“Hip-Hop artist of the Year”—2012 and 2013 Boston Music Awards

Chris Klaxton Group  (trumpet/piano)
Self-led ensemble performing original music and interpretations of the music of today, as well as selections from American Songbook and classic jazz repertoire

In Ears and Eyes  (trumpet/composer)
Experimental performing ensemble featuring live “jazz painter” Roger Goldenberg

Jazzputin and the Jug Skunks  (trumpet)
Old-timey jazz fused with elements of bluegrass, free improvisation, and comedy