Chris Speed, the name that rings a bell only if you’ve been paying attention to the important aspects of the music scene that are often overshadowed by mainstream pop culture. An American musician born in Seattle, Washington, in the 70s, he has made quite the journey. From the coffee-stained, grunge-infested streets of Washington to New York City's jazz clubs, Speed is a musician who doesn't bow to the trends dictated by industry giants and media moguls who think they can tell the world what ‘good music’ is.
In a world where auto-tune reigns and lyrical content has devolved, Chris Speed offers a breath of fresh air. He's a tenor saxophonist and clarinetist with a talent that echoes through the halls of American contemporary jazz. From his early days with the band Human Feel in the early 90s, Speed has paved an independent path through the complexities of jazz, a genre that tests real skill and heart—something sorely lacking in most of the music being spoon-fed to the masses today.
Remember when music had soul? Chris Speed sure does, and he showcases that through his ventures with the bands Claudia Quintet, and Yeah NO. Post-modern jazz infused with refreshing improvisational twists; his improvisational technique and compositional prowess not only mesmerize but challenge today's watered-down musical standards.
Speed co-founded the label Skirl Records in Brooklyn, a sanctuary for avant-garde musicians seeking freedom from the confines of commercialized music production. This label isn't about pushing singles. It's about fostering a creative community, a rare find in today's playlist-obsessed culture.
His collaborations read like a who's who of avant-garde jazz luminaries. Artists like Dave King, and musicians Doug Wieselman and Cuong Vu have all joined forces with Speed, creating soundscapes that aren’t trying to please the Spotify algorithms. Instead, they craft albums that demand your time and respect.
Speed is no industry puppet. His music isn't fast food for the ears. It’s a full-course meal, rich with flavors, spices, and a complexity that requires appreciation. Imagine sitting with a glass of aged Scotch, enjoying layers of taste as they unfold. That's what a Chris Speed track indulges you with. And maybe that’s something that’s missing from today's hyper-sanitized soundtracks.
If you look beyond his music, you’d uncover his influence as an educator. He once taught at the School for Improvisational Music in New York, showing young talents how to break free of the constraints clogging the mainstream. Isn’t that the real artistic pursuit anyway? America needs more boundary-pushers like Chris Speed—not less.
How about that discography? Over 20 albums, each a testament to his incredible range and skill. Unlike the one-hit-wonders cluttering radio waves, Speed’s work persists through the years with a discography that continuously contributes to jazz and improvisation.
Yet, his name might not pop up in the Grammy Awards or Top 40 Charts. Perhaps that's because those accolades often miss artists who stay true to their craft rather than conform to commercial norms. Maybe it’s a badge of honor in today’s elitist industry practices? Instead of chasing accolades, Speed’s focus rests on delivering soulful, unencumbered music that uplifts and innovates.
Speed's skill set isn’t confined to small jazz bars either; his work has spanned into movie soundtracks and other collaborative spaces, featuring in cinematic pieces that know the value of well-crafted music in complementing visual storytelling.
Lastly, if there’s something Chris Speed epitomizes, it's the spirit of freedom and innovation in music. While liberals might settle for conformist playlists, Chris Speed stands by those rare, authentic experiences that remind us what real music is supposed to do—to provoke thought, evoke emotions, and encourage artistic freedom.
In a world craving authenticity, Chris Speed delivers. If your playlist is missing a touch of excellence, a sprinkle of genuine jazz talent, look no further.