Chris Oatts is an acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and educator renowned for his lush sound, virtuosic technique, and soulful improvisations that bridge the rich tradition of jazz with a bold vision for its future. Hailed as "a force to be reckoned with," Chris has performed, recorded, and toured globally—both as a leader and alongside an impressive roster of artists including Seal, the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Band, Terell Stafford, Wycliffe Gordon, Dick Oatts, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and The Temptations.

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A versatile artist, Chris’ work as a composer reflects his deep love for hard-swinging jazz, intricate harmony, and lyrical melody. His compositions blend complex arrangements with spontaneous improvisation, creating a sound that is both innovative and rooted in tradition.

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Born into a rich musical legacy in Des Moines, Iowa, Chris is the nephew of alto saxophone legend Dick Oatts, with whom he studied at Temple University in Philadelphia. His father, Jim, played trumpet with jazz icons Stan Kenton and Machito and was a member of the jazz-rock band Chase. Music runs deep in the Oatts family, with Chris’ grandfather, Jack Oatts, being a trailblazer in jazz education—credited with founding Iowa’s first high school jazz band and influencing generations of jazz musicians across the Midwest. Chris still performs on his grandfather’s Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone to this day.

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As both a saxophonist and composer, Chris has released two critically acclaimed albums. His latest, Personalities, features both quintet and nonet ensembles, with legendary jazz trumpeter Terell Stafford and some of the finest musicians from Philadelphia and New York. The album offers fresh interpretations of jazz standards alongside deeply personal original compositions. His debut album, First Quintet, showcases his distinct voice as a composer, featuring a stellar lineup of Philadelphia-based musicians.

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Chris is also the leader of the Pretty Big Band, a ten-piece ensemble that blends the power of a big band with the energy of small group improvisation. The band performs regularly in Philadelphia and serves as a platform for Chris’ unique compositions and arrangements, each piece designed to highlight the talents of the exceptional musicians within the group.

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In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Chris founded the LOVE Jazz Orchestra, a group dedicated to preserving the traditions of Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, while commissioning new works from Philadelphia-based composers. Under his leadership, the South Philly Big Band has performed with jazz luminaries like Walt Weiskopf, Ignacio Berroa, and Gary Smulyan, and released the SPBBXMAS EP, a creative reimagining of holiday classics. The band is also committed to providing a platform for emerging composers and passing on the jazz tradition to younger musicians.

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An active and dedicated educator, Chris teaches at the Boyer College of Music at Temple University and the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, PA. He has also held faculty positions at the University of the Arts and the Media Arts Council, where he helped develop jazz programming for local youth. As a co-founder of the Philadelphia Saxophone Guild, Chris is committed to fostering the next generation of musicians and nurturing the rich cultural landscape of Philadelphia's jazz community.

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With a deep commitment to both performance and education, Chris Oatts continues to shape the future of jazz while honoring its past.