Grammy-nominated bassist Christopher Thomas, born in St. Louis, Missouri, began his musical journey on violin before transitioning to cello and settling on double bass at age 13. He studied with legendary bassist Richard Davis at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and continued his jazz education at the University of New Orleans, where he performed regularly with Ellis Marsalis. Over his 35-year career, Thomas has toured and recorded with an impressive roster of artists, including Ellis Marsalis, Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Harry Connick Jr., Terence Blanchard, Joshua Redman, Norah Jones, Melody Gardot, and Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band.