Playing
Blondal is an active member of the Los Angeles musical community working in many different genres. He has performed and recorded with a wide variety of artists, including: The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Pete Christlieb, Chris Standring, Brad Rabuchin, Chris Colangelo, Larry Steen’s world jazz ensemble, Sandra Booker, Cathy Segal--Garcia, Christine Rosander, Dan Lutz, Katisse Buckingham, Karen Hernandez, The Soul of John Black, David Garfield, Bunk Gardner (Frank Zappa) Billy Hulting, Ken Rosser, John Hatton, Rhapsody in Tap (for ten years), Jim Quam Chamber group, Joe Rotundy (the Escovitos), Tim Mesina, Tamir Hendleman, Vardan Ovsepian as well as 50's rock and roll legends Bo Diddley, the Diamonds and the Coasters. Chris has also played for film composers Bobby Johnson, Rolf Kent and composer/trumpeter Mark Isham.
Recording
As a studio artist, Chris has recorded on a variety of film scores and soundtracks for major motion pictures, including: Fight Club, Nurse Betty, Gun Shy, The Slums of Beverly Hills and Wild Wild West. Artists Chris has recorded for include: Tuxon, Christine Rosander, Crazy Cat George, One Big Mirror, Jane Getz, Brian Setzer. In 2014/15 Chris played on Chris Standring’s hit CD “Don’t Talk Dance," Danny Faragher’s "Dancing with the Moment." Currently Chris is busy writing and recording a CD of all original music for The CBQ, (Chris Blondal quartet) featuring Vardan Ovsepian (piano), Brad Rabuchin (guitar), Edwin Livingston (bass) and Chris Blondal (drums) (composer).
Touring
Chris has toured with The Diamonds, The Coasters, Crazy Cat George, the Soul of John Black, Brad Wilson, and Rhapsody in Tap. Chris worked extensively in 2014 with the nationally touring Broadway show “Lucy Live on Stage” as well as a west coast tour with his own band the Chris Blondal Trio.
Study
Chris’ passion for an eclectic array of musical styles led him to study with teachers such as: John Rudolph (VSO) Joe Porcaro, Alex Acuna, David Garibaldi, Carlos Vega, Joe LaBarbera, Ralph Humphrey, Dafnis Prieto, Cuban masters Changuito, Louis Conte, and Jimmy Branley and technique teachers Richard Wilson and Freddie Gruber. Chris has studied piano and composition under Terry Trotter, Lazlo Czar, and Vardan Ovsepian.
Teaching
Chris has had a thriving teaching career for over 20 years and has literally taught thousands of students, from beginners to professionals. Many of Chris’ students have gone on to become very successful drummers themselves.
Endorsements
Chris is currently endorsed by Bosphorus Cymbals and Innovative Percussion.