"Chris is a musician's drummer. He plays with tremendous energy, and his feel is second to none" - producer Mikal Blue (Colbie Callait, One Republic, Five For Fighting). Since moving to New York seven years ago, Chris' reputation has been steadily growing. He has accrued a wealth of experience both performing and in the studio with many different musicians and bands, stylistically ranging from jazz, to rock, to pop, to celtic music. In 2008 alone he clocked up nearly 35,000 miles of touring as musical director for Decca/Universal recording artist, Brendan James. He also played the drums on Brendan's debut album, "The Day Is Brave," which charted in the top 10 of iTunes alternative/pop charts.
Chris graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in London in 2000 with First Class Honours and performed with some of Europe's leading jazz musicians including Jason Rebello, Tim Garland, Christine Tobin and Guy Barker, before accepting a scholarship to New York's New School University in 2002. After living in New York for two years Chris recorded his debut album as a bandleader, "One," featuring Seamus Blake (saxophone), Aaron Goldberg (piano) and Orlando Le Fleming (bass). The album was released by Basho records, and he toured the UK and North America with that group to critical acclaim.
As well as playing the drum set Chris is regularly called upon for his skills as a percussionist and singer, and has recently performed in this capacity with Jason Reeves, Amber Rubarth and Todd Carey. Forever busying himself across genres, Chris continually refuses to be pigeon-holed. In recent months he has performed with pop singer Esmee, jazz legend Mark Murphy, the rock band 'Kites', and irish jig-punk group 'The Prodigals', among others.
"One is a showcase of fine ensemble playing by four impressive individual talents and a distinguished bandleader debut for Higginbottom." - All About Jazz
"Higginbottom moves effortlessly but with crisp insistence across genres" - The Guardian (UK).
