Guitarist/vocalist Chris Cortez has been living in the Houston area since hurricane Katrina forced his family to move from Louisiana in 2005.

In 2007 he released his 5th CD as a bandleader on his own label Blue Bamboo Music. The CD, entitled Awakenings, was critically acclaimed and was among the top 50 Grammy entries for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, and Best Instrumental Jazz solo.

Also a record producer and engineer, In 2008 Chris expanded Blue Bamboo Music to produce several Houston area artists, and continues that expansion. Currently in release are titles from saxophonist Woody Witt, guitarist Mike Wheeler, and pianist Joe Locascio. In each case, Chris served as executive producer and engineer.

All three titles were very well received by the national jazz press, and once again, Cortez found himself on the Grammy ballot, this time as an engineer and producer.

Chris is music director at Crabby Daddy Seafood and Steakhouse in the Woodlands, TX. He has led the house band there for almost 4 years. The group also appears at many other area venues including: Sambuca, Cezanne's, Galveston Jazz Festival, and the Kemah Jazz Festival.

He has appeared on Great Day Houston, and KPFT 90.1FM.