Chris Kozak - Acoustic & Electric Bass

Chris Kozak is associate professor and director of jazz studies at The University of Alabama. He holds a master’s degree in jazz arranging and composition, and a bachelor’s degree in African-American jazz studies in double bass performance from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA.

….has performed with a vast array of notable artists including Greg Abate, Joe Alessi, Geri Allen, James Argiro, Victor Atkins, Jamie Baum, Anthony Braxton, Warren Chiasson, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Peter Ellefson, Peter Erskine, John Fedchock, Sim Flora, Giacamo Gates, the Michael Glaser Reputable Quintet, David Goloshokin, Danny Gottlieb, Jeff Holmes, Steve Houghton, Marlon Jordan, Adam Kolker, Kathy Kosins, Yusef Lateef, Vladislav Lavrik, the Guy Lombardo Orchestra, Delfeayo Marsalis, Andy Martin, Virginia Mayhew, Wayne Newton, Dick Oatts, Regis Philbin, The Birmingham Seven, Lew Soloff, Sal Spiccola, and Rob Zappulla.

He was a Downbeat Jazz Award recipient in 2000, 2001, and 2002 with the UMASS Studio Orchestra on double bass. He is a former faculty member of Springfield College, Holyoke Community College, and is a current member of the CMENC, ABA, AMEA, and Jazz Education Network. He also remains active as a clinician and high school jazz festival adjudicator at the regional, national, and international levels.