Bio

Chris Blöndal is a professional drummer, percussionist and educator based in Los Angeles, California.

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Chris picked up his first drumstick at the early age of 4 and from this small act came a lifelong love of music. His fascination and passion propelled him through his formative years, studying drums and percussion with the principal percussionist for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and local studio drummer Graham Boyle. He gathered an affinity for all styles of music and began performing with Rock and Jazz bands, as well as orchestras and percussion ensembles throughout British Columbia. In the mid 80’s Chris completed extensive international tours with jazz and show bands backing up international artists. In 1987 his passion for an eclectic array of musical styles brought him to Los Angeles to study with musicians who have extensive resumes in the Jazz, Funk, Rock, and Latin scenes, including Joe Porcaro, Alex Acuna, David Garibaldi, Richard Wilson, Freddie Gruber, Carlos Vega, Joe LaBarbera, Ralph Humphrey, Dafnis Prieto, Changuito and Louis Conte. He made Los Angeles his new home and has remained ever since.

Chris is an active member of the Los Angeles music community working in many different genres. He has performed and recorded with a wide variety of artists, including: The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Pete Christlieb, Chris Standring, Brad Rabuchin, Chris Colangelo, Larry Steen, Sandra Booker, Cathy Segal-Garcia, Christine Rosander, Dan Lutz, Katisse Buckingham, film composer/trumpeter Mark Isham, Karen Hernandez, The Soul of John Black, David Garfield, Bunk Gardner (Frank Zappa), 50’s rock and roll legends Bo Diddley, the Diamonds, the Coasters, Bobby Johnson (film composer), Rolf Kent (film composer), Billy Hulting, Ken Rosser, Rick Shaw, John Hatton, Rhapsody in Tap, Jim Quam Chamber group, Joe Rotundy, Tim Mesina, Tamir Hendleman… to name a few.

As a studio artist, he has recorded on a variety of film scores and soundtracks for major motion pictures, including: Fight Club, Nurse Betty, Gun Shy, The Slums of Beverly Hills, Wild Wild West, and appeared recently in the opening credits for Monday Night Football with the Brian Setzer Orchestra, Hank Williams Jr., Peter Cetera, and Bootsy Collins.

Chris is currently leading his own contemporary jazz trio, the Chris Blondal Trio. The CBT has been Performing in venues throughout Los Angeles since 2010.

Alongside his career in performance and recording, Chris has built a thriving teaching practice. He has been and educator since 1990 and has taught thousands of lessons to professionals and beginners alike.

Please email Chris for more information regarding scheduling and rates.