Creating pulse with sounds...

“Chris is one of my go-to drummers for so many of the recording projects and albums that come my way. Chris has a keen sense of what will work best for each song that he plays on. He comes with a great feel and pocket for a multitude of genres and is not afraid to experiment with different textures and layers of rhythms that together create something unique and memorable. In addition, every time he shows up for a session he brings new sounds and instruments that offer a continually expanding sonic palette from which to choose. Chris comes incredibly well prepared and I know that whenever we'll be working together in a recording session or live performance it's gonna be a great day of creativity and camaraderie.”

— Ben Wisch (2x Grammy Award winning producer)

Chris Marshak and Ben Wisch

Chris Marshak and Ben Wisch

Bio

Drummer Chris Marshak has carved a niche out for himself by crafting a sound, feel and vibe that is sought after by some of the most respected singer-songwriter/artists in the business. 

Chris creates pulse with sounds.  His unique style and approach to making music is based on the fundamental idea that “sounds and parts matter”. 

What are you playing and what are you playing it with?   Sometimes Chris uses drums, sticks and cymbals. However, often times his approach is non conventional using an assortment of hybrid brushes, mallets, bass drum beaters, muted toms, vintage drums, calf-skin heads, wood boxes with shakers and things that rattle attached to his feet, legs and arms. 

 

"I think the artists, producers and musicians that hire me do so because they know that I will make a unique contribution to their project in terms of sound, feel and the parts that I create.  The song matters to me.  It’s more important than anything.  My job is to play something that adds to the song.  It’s all about musical choices.  Sometimes the most effective contribution you can make to the music is choosing NOT to play."

Chris Marshak

Some of the artists that Chris has recorded and/or performed with...

Steve Winwood 

Marc Cohn 

Ricardo Arjona 

Jill Sobule 

Amy Helm 

James Maddock 

Jeffrey Gaines 

Willy Porter 

Todd Sheaffer  

Sam Baker 

Kenny White 

Freedy Johnston 

G Love 

Liz Longley 

Donovan Woods 

Cheryl  Wheeler 

Lucy Kaplansky 

Duke Levine 

Cassandra House 

Henry Butler 

Martyn Joseph 

Mike Delguidice 

Andy Falco 

Amy Correia 

Billy J. Kramer 

Miles To Dayton 

Jeff Golub 

Jennifer Kimball 

Catie Curtis 

Toby Lightman 

KJ Denhert 

Brian Dunne 

Bakithi Kumalo 

Eugene Ruffolo 

Phoebe Hunt 

Matt Marshak 

Robinson Treacher 

Brad Cole 

Peter Calo 

Alex Bugnon 

Crys Matthews 

Andrew Fortier 

Peter White 

The Tin Man 

Bob Malone 

Jonny Blu 

Lisa Matassa 

Joanna Mosca 

The Levins 

Greg Greenway 

Pat Wictor 

Bill Scorzari 

Four 80 East 

Jeff Kashiwa 

Carl Burnett 

Mary Gatchell 

The Twangtown Paramours 

Robert Poe 

David Lockwood 

Dave Murphy 

Kat Quinn 

Mark Newman 

Dave Diamond 

Robert Bruey 

Kerri Powers 

Erica Leigh 

Frank Persico 

JJ Sanseverino 

Marcus Anderson 

Will Donato 

Last Charge of The Light Horse 

Walter Finley 

Shilts 

Joe Lostrito 

Jenai Huff 

Steve Kunzman 

Andy Aledort 

April Martin 

Nick Russell 

Marci Geller 

Bobby Nathan 

Felix Cabrera 

Pat Cisarano 

Jay Hitt 

Jack's Waterfall 

Brian Unger 

Lucy Bonilla