Pianist, composer and producer Chris Potter was born and raised in north east Pennsylvania , he was influenced by the pianists from his hometown, Eric Doney, Jesse Green, and Bobby Avey, all of whom Chris studied with. In High School, Chris was selected as the state jazz pianist to accompany the All State Vocal Jazz Ensemble where he worked with Peter Eldridge of the New York Voices. Chris earned a degree in Music Technology at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA where he focused on composition and sound recording.
Upon graduation, Chris was brought on as part time faculty at Duquesne as an accompanist to vocal students. He worked at multiple studios in the Pittsburgh area as an engineer while continuing a busy gig schedule. With his band Starship Mantis, he mixed, produced and played all keys on two full length albums which featured artists Sean Jones, Casey Benjamin, Steeltown Horns, and Divinity Roxx. Along with starship Mantis, Chris performed regularly with Reggie Watkins (Maynard Ferguson) around Pittsburgh and New York City and recorded with Poogie Bell (Marcus Miller, Erykah Badu).
In 2020, Chris moved to Los Angeles and has since toured nationally and internationally with pop acts Benson Boone, Forest Blakk and Arlissa. He has also produced records for many LA based artists including Olayinka Ehi and Rebel Rae. He has released one project under his own name “Out Of The Way.”
Chris has done 2 world tours with Benson Boone, performed live at the VMA’s, EMA’s, Global Citizen Festival, Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Graham Norton Show, Coachella, and many others. He also recorded piano on the EP “Beautiful Things (Alternate Versions)” with Benson.
Chris works out of his studio in Los Angeles and frequently performs around LA when he is not on the road.
