Chris Nordman Keyboard: Piano, Organ Jazz / Blues / Motown / Classics Chris Nordman Associates, Inc. White Lake, Michigan Orlando / New Smyrna Beach, Florida 248-738-0700 248-408-4674 Cell email: eventfunrentals@aol.com Providing Music and Entertainment Nationwide |
Chris Nordman plays Keyboards, Piano, Organ, Bass, and performs with his own band, and other bands in Michigan, Florida, and surrounding areas. Coming from Classical roots (several years at Interlochen National Music Camp performing on Piano, Organ, and 'Cello), staff organist at St. Hugo in the Hills Church in Bloomfield, Choir Director at Fellowship United Methodist Church in Troy, MI, Chris became a top "on call" musician to back many acts for shows in Michigan in the 1970's and 80's. He has lead the Chris Nordman Group since 1979, playing thousands of events, shows and clubs. Loving Blues and Jazz, Chris is now frequently seen at locations near his bases in Michigan and Florida, performing at venues throughout both states and the surrounding area. Since 2014, Chris has been the primary Keyboard Player in the Chris Canas Band, based in Michigan, and the Buddy Blues Band, based in Orlando. A proud Hammond Artist, Chris currently plays a Hammond XK-5 and Privia Piano through various amplifier combinations (primarily Leslie Brand), and has used both for recording. |
Biography Chris Nordman, was born in Wyandotte, Michigan in 1956. His father, Chuck Nordman, was a school music teacher, and also taught private lessons on piano, trumpet, and other instruments. Chris started bugging his dad to teach him at an early age. By Age 6, Chris was playing piano at church and school recitals and talent shows. He found a second love in string instruments, and became an accomplished cellist, playing in several area symphony orchestras, chamber music groups, and in the World Youth Symphony at Interlochen, becoming 1st chair, and playing with Van Cliburn, and under Howard Hanson and other great artists and conductors. At 14, Chris became assistant Parish Organist at St Hugo of the Hills Church in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. At 15, he became Organist and Choir Director at Fellowship Methodist Church in Troy, Michigan, a position he retired from at age 25. During this time, Chris wrote several arrangements for small choral groups, as well as a collection of organ music. At 17, Chris began playing Bass for the Eddie Santini Orchestra, and soon became the keyboard player. He arranged several charts for this horn / vocal band that played events across the Midwestern US. After getting an engineering and management degree from General Motors Institute in 1979, Chris went to work for Gail and Rice Productions, one of the leading talent and show production agencies in the country. There was plenty of work for a piano / keyboard player, and Chris played thousands of gigs the next 13 years at clubs, and for corporate events, weddings, and other events with his band, and as a sideman. He also played many shows with greats like Bob Hope, Mel Torme, Della Reese, Chuck Berry, Coasters, Contours, Platters, and many other artists and comedy acts. Since 1991, Chris and his wife, Lori, have run a successful national event rental company. Chris gave up the musical limelight for many years, devoting his time to the business, and family. Now, with the encouragement of Lori, Chris is returning to playing with blues, rock, and jazz bands in Michigan, as well as Florida, where they reside during the winter months. In 2014, Chris began playing with the Chris Canas Band, based in Michigan, and the Buddy Blues Band, based in Orlando, Florida. During these past years, Chris has played numerous events and festivals all over the country with these and other musical groups. In 2016, Chris played on the Buddy Blues Band release "Wrong Side of the Blues" which won acclaim both in the US and overseas. As a member of the Chris Canas Band, Chris has played at the International Blues Challenge in 2015, 2016, and again in 2020, where they were a finalist. The Chris Canas Band just released the "big" CD with 15 full all original tracks: Would You MInd at IBC 2020. In late March, 2020, Chris went into the studio to record a "live feel" trio album, something that has been on the to do list for many years. Recorded in Central Florida with Drummer Joe Adcock, and Bassist Ward Dumigan, the Chris Nordman Trio - High Wire CD will be released in the fall of 2020. |
Chris Nordman Recent CD's: Buddy Blues Band 2016 (Lakehouse Records) |
Chris Canas Band 2020 CD "Would You Mind" Reviews, etc |