Chris Cody is one of Australia's most innovative musicians. A classically trained pianist, Cody has made his greatest impression in collaboration with an international roster of top-notch such jazz musicians, including Roy Hargrove, Antonio Hart, Herb Geller, Stefano di Battista, Frank Lacy, Graham Haynes, and Francois Theberge. The leader of his own band, the Chris Cody Coalition, which he formed while living in Paris, Cody continues to weave a musical tapestry reflecting American, European, African, and Australian influences. Studying piano since childhood, Cody was a finalist in the Roger Woodward competition at the age of 14. Inspired by the playing of Thelonious Monk, he turned to jazz as a teenager. Graduating from University of Sydney with a bachelor's degree in music, he received a licentiate for piano playing from Trinity College in London. He also holds a diploma of jazz studies from the Sydney Conservatorium. Living in Paris in the late '80s and early '90s, Cody sought new possibilities for improvisation. Working as a session player and as leader of the Chris Cody Coalition, he attracted attention with his imaginative playing and composing. He received a Jazz Action Society award for Best Jazz Composition in 1989. Since returning to Australia in 1996, Cody has played an important role in the growing popularity of jazz in his homeland. A co-founder of the Sydney School of Piano, Cody has taught at Sydney's Academy of Music and the Australian Institute of Music. Cody's band features Chilean percussionist Fabian Hevia and drummer John Bateman, Swaziland-born guitarist Jon Pease, Australian bassist Lloyd Swanton, and trombone player James Greening. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide