OA2 Artist

Chris Amemiya is originally from Hawaii and played euphonium in earnest in high school. He began playing the trombone in college but never studied formally, choosing instead a career path in science. Nevertheless, he never stopped playing music and learned to play jazz largely through self-study and the school of hard knocks. Chris' varied musical experiences run the gamut from gambling ships and salsa bands, to jingle recordings and R&B bands. He has played with many jazz, salsa and blues luminaries as a sideman and has performed and recorded with the "house" big bands of Ryles Jazz Club (Boston) and Tula's Jazz Club (Seattle). When he's not peering through a microscope or messing with test tubes he can be found playing in some of the top jazz groups in the Seattle area.

Jazz Coalescence is a jazz sextet that Chris started around 2006. Its sound and groove has evolved from the post-bop edginess of the 1960's to a more nuanced feel that is reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest. This is reflected in the repertoire the group has chosen to play, much of which comes from the members themselves.

RECORDINGS FEATURING Chris Amemiya

Chris Amemiya & Jazz Coalescence

In the Rain Shadow

OA2 Records 22101