Chris Codish

Chris Codish is one of the most sought-after musicians working in Metro Detroit today, playing piano, organ, keyboards, and synth. 

His exciting mix of jazz, funk, and blues, layered with his unique voice captivates any crowd. It’s his unique ability entertain his audience while maintaining his artistic point of view that sets Chris apart. 

He has been playing professionally for over 30 years, and has won over 40 Detroit Music Awards in the process. Chris honed his skills by touring internationally with some of the world’s top jazz and blues artists, including Hiram Bullock, Alexander Zonjic, Harvey Mason, Roy Ayers, The Blues Brothers, Lucky Peterson, Johnnie Bassett, Larry McCray among countless others. 

Chris is an in-demand session musician as well, having recorded over 80 commercial releases, and dozens of independent albums as well. He produced the “Gentleman of the Blues” Johnnie Bassett's final two albums for Mack Ave. Records/Sly Dog Records: The Gentleman is Back, and I Can Make That Happen. Chris has also provided keyboard for some of Detroit best artists including Carl Craig, Don Was, Sponge, Alexander Zonjic, Ben Sharkey, Laith Al-Saddi, Thornetta Davis, Johnnie Bassett, Larry McCray, and many many others as well as providing entertainment for corporate clients like Mercedes Benz, AISIN, Henry Ford House, The Detroit Medical Center, and the DAC. 

He performs solo and with his eponymously named trio at and weekly house gigs at two of Metro Detroit's finest restaurants; the famed London Chop House downtown, and Eddie V’s in Troy. He has also played Hammond organ every Sunday at Godland Unity Church in Detroit since 1997.

 

DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS 

(42 TOTAL DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS) 

Chris Codish (23 total) 

Outstanding Keyboardist 2023

Outstanding Americana Instrumentalist 2020

•Outstanding Urban/Funk Songwriter: 2010, 2009, 2004, 2003, 2002 
•Outstanding Urban/Funk Musician: 2008, 2004, 2003, 2002, 1999 
•Outstanding Blues/R&B Song Writer: 2010, 2001, 2000 
•Outstanding Blues Instrumentalist:2002, 1999 
•Outstanding Jazz Vocalist: 2010, 2001 
•Outstanding Jazz Instrumentalist: 2008 
•Outstanding Funk Vocalist: 2002 
•Outstanding Jazz Composer: 2010 
•Performer Deserving Wider Recognition, Blues 1997 

with The Brothers Groove (16 total) 

•Outstanding Urban/funk artist/group: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2004, 2003, 2002 
•Outstanding Modern Jazz Artist/Group: 2012, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2001 
•Outstanding Live Performance: 2007 
•Outstanding Jazz Recording “Clamp it Down” 2001 
•2010 (not eligible) Special Honoree for winning three years in a row Outstanding Modern Jazz Artist or group 
•2005 (Not eligible) Special Honoree for winning three years in a row Outstanding Urban/funk artist/group 

with Johnnie Bassett and The Blues Insurgents (3 total) 

•Outstanding Blues Artist Group: 2011, 2010 
•Outstanding National Small/Independent Label Recording: 2010 
Johnnie Bassett " The Gentleman is Back "  Produced by Chris Codish with Keith Kaminski ( Sly Dog/Mack Avenue) 

with The Motor City Horns 

•Outstanding Video / Major Budget (Over $10,000) 2010 " Kissing My Love " from the DVD/CD “Local Boys” with The Brothers Groove and Thornetta Davis 

OTHER AWARDS 

The International Songwriting Competition 2009 Honorable Mention Blues Category “Let’s Get Hammered” written by Bob Codish & Chris Codish sung by “Cubie” backing by Johnnie Bassett, The Brothers Groove, and Brett Lucas (guitarist with Bettye Lavette.) 

Hour Detroit Magazine Best of Detroit 2007- “Next local band to make it big -The Brothers Groove.” 

Detroit Free Press Top 5 Discs of Detroit 2001 “Clamp it Down” The Brothers Groove 

Memphis Smoke SMOKEY AWARD: Best Contemporary band The Brothers Groove 2003 

Best Rock & Roll Band Detroit Musicians Alliance The Brothers Groove 2005 

B.E.A.M (Benefiting Emerging Artists in Music.) Grant recipient 2000