By: Nancy Ruth | Category: Recreation/Leisure | Issue: August 2025
Chris Combs. Photo courtesy of The Church Studio.
Acclaimed composer and guitarist Chris Combs is excited to announce the upcoming release of Chris Combs – In Session: Live at The Church Studio. This album captures the raw energy and creative synergy of live studio collaboration. Set to release on August 15th, the genre-blending record fuses jazz, soul, ambient, and electronic textures into a deep, groove-driven soundscape.
Known for his pioneering work with Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey and dynamic solo projects, Combs leads a handpicked group of musicians, including Hank Early, Dan Oestreicher, Tea Rush, and 1st Verse, to deliver a bold, improvisational experience that pushes musical boundaries.
A special, free, open-to-the-public pre-release listening party will be held at The Church Studio in Tulsa on August 13th. Fans will get an exclusive first listen to the full album and an opportunity to meet Combs. Free tickets are required. https://www.thechurchstudio.com/chris-combs-and-friends-album-pre-release/
"It was an honor to work with The Church Studio on this recording and release. The "In Session" series provides such a unique listening and performance experience. I'm excited to be working with Horton Records to bring the recording to you in a beautifully designed, limited edition vinyl package," said Chris Combs.
Photo courtesy of The Church Studio.
What: Chris Combs – In Session: Live at The Church Studio Pre-Release Listening Party Where: The Church Studio, 304 S. Trenton Avenue, Tulsa, OK
When: Wednesday, August 13, 2025 — 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Extras: Cash bar available
Tickets: Register for your FREE TICKET
Chris Combs – In Session: Live at The Church Studio will be available on August 15th on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and through Horton Records https://hortonrecords.bandcamp.com/album/in-session-live-at-the-church-studio
For interviews or more information, please contact Chris Combs at eat0@eau0eav0eaw0.
The Church Studio, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a renowned recording facility and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Previously operated by Oklahoma legends Leon Russell and, later, Steve Ripley, The Church Studio has played a pivotal role in the music industry, hosting numerous legendary artists and producing timeless hits. It offers professional recording environment, educational programs, exhibits, artist grants, and events such as Tunes @ Noon and In Session. The studio continues to support and inspire music makers while honoring its storied legacy in the industry.
Chris Combs is a distinguished composer, arranger, steel guitarist, and producer from Tulsa, Oklahoma, whose career spans more than two decades. Born on October 12, 1983, Combs established himself as a versatile musician known for blending jazz, soul, ambient, and electronic textures into rich, groove-driven soundscapes. His musical foundation was shaped early on by guitar teachers, church choir directors, and visits to family in New Orleans, fostering a deep connection to jazz and improvisation.
Since joining the influential jazz collective Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey in 2007 as lap steel guitarist, Combs quickly became the group’s primary composer. He toured internationally, performing at major jazz festivals and collaborating with renowned artists such as Matt Chamberlain, Steven Bernstein, Jeff Coffin, Mike Dillon, John Medeski, and George Porter Jr. One of his notable works is The Race Riot Suite (2011), a powerful conceptual album addressing the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, which has received widespread critical acclaim and topped jazz charts.
Combs has also been commissioned to compose for jazz ensembles internationally, including critically acclaimed performances in Switzerland. Beyond JFJO, he has released solo projects, including the album COMBSY (2017), reflecting his broad influences from Charles Mingus to J Dilla.
Recognized as a Rising Star instrumentalist by DownBeat magazine in 2022 and 2023, Combs continues to innovate through extensive touring, recording, and collaborations. His work balances technical mastery with expressive depth, making him a highly sought-after figure in contemporary jazz and experimental music scenes.
(918) 894-2965
304 S Trenton Ave | Tulsa, OK 74120
thechurchstudio.com
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