Biographic Information 

PRIMAL MATES 

Chris Lee and Colleen O'Brien are a contemporary chamber jazz duo in which vibes, voice, cello and percussion come together to form an inspired original repertoire. What they create is music with vision; a unique, sometimes haunting and always mesmerizing journey through an intimate musical landscape. Their music combines the attention to composition and form of chamber music with the freedom and improvisational interplay of jazz. 

The relaxed and beautiful lyric songs and poetry which weave their way through a Primal Mates set provide a stunning balance of simplicity and highly developed musicality. Lee moves effortlessly between the vibes where he is a sensitive colorist, and percussion where his compositional approach and drive elegantly frame the music. O'Brien has an alluringly warm and clear voice which she can use with words or as another instrument where she breaks loose with unpredictable improvisatory forays. Her unusual approach in playing cello like a jazz bass and her spirited cello solos add a satisfying and delightful effect to the duo's sound. Though each musician contributes a thoroughly unique perspective and influence in the music, the whole sound in Primal Mates is even greater than the sum of it's parts. 

Lee is active as a composer, vibraphonist, drummer and teacher and has performed with such diverse artists as Joe Henderson, Lew Tabackin, Mose Allison, Sheila Jordan, Jim Pepper, Gary Peacock, Glen Moore and Nancy King. 

Vocalist, cellist O'Brien has led her own groups as well as performing as a solo artist and in duo and group settings with John Stowell, Art Lande and Paul McCandless of the group OREGON. She has performed most recently at the Festival Internacional de Jazz in San Miguel, Mexico and also the Mt. Hood and Westcliffe jazz festivals. Ms. O'Brien was also featured on the Denver PBS series Artist Profile. 

Together they have actively pursued their musical vision since l980 and have produced five recordings. They are Silent Talk (1984) with ECM recording artist Art Lande; Something Forgotten, Remembered (1989) with Lande, Paul McCandless and Bill Douglass; Primal Mates (1990) with Khabu Doug Young and Primal Mates Duo/Trio (1995) also with Young, and their most recent Songs (2001).