Drums Programming Percussion Production
Widely recognized as an integral part of many projects, New York City-born musician Chris Benelli is known for his ability to tune in to the needs of each individual song and artist. Primarily a session drummer, percussionist, and programmer now based in Nashville, Chris has also toured the globe with many artists and regularly performs live across the United States. Chris also developed a unique style of percussion which provides a colorful groove by replacing components of a traditional drum kit with various hand drums and percussion.
Chris has added his drum, percussion, programming and production talents to multiple projects throughout the course of his career. His solid groove and creative approach to music has led him to work with many top recording artists, producers, and engineers, including: The Waterboys, Breland, Charles Esten, Ruthie Collins, Kim Richey, The Young Fables, Amelia White, David Olney, Julie Christensen, Jon Gordon (Madonna, Suzanne Vega), Tommy Carnes (Emmylou Harris, Humming People), Charlie Chamberlain (Alex Preston), Brett Ryan Stewart of Wirebird Productions, Dave Coleman (Griffin House), Stephen Leiweke (Ingrid Michaelson, Jars of Clay), Jim Janik (Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson) and many more.
In addition to a vast performance and recording resume, Chris is also involved in music production. His skills have helped and guided independent artists through many steps of the recording process, from song arrangement, pre-production and performance, through editing and mixing. Many songs that Chris has produced have appeared on film and television.
Chris’s songwriting and production credits have been used by the following:
Recent Recordings Include
Chris also has a distinctive style, by which I mean: I can tell when Jim Keltner is on a track, I can tell when Steve Gadd is on a track, and I can tell when Chris Benelli is on a track.
- Steve Tannen, The Weepies
click image to hear album on spotify
What Press Is Saying
“Chris Benelli's amazing drum skills maintain the strong fast paced groove which is the backbone of the piece. Chris Benelli's drumming is super tight providing just the right accents, never overworking the pace."
-Downeast Reviews, for Steve Tannen ~ Big Senorita
“Drummer Chris Benelli proved on this number that he could do a country shuffle with the best of them."
-Chris LeDrew for OnStage Magazine, in review of The Waterboys North American tour
“No big drum set here, just Chris Benelli's subtle percussion...there's an edge that matches the lyrics without banging you over the head in a rock wall of volume."
-Indie-Music.com, for Gretchen Witt ~ Six
“Chris Benelli's syncopated high-hat drum backdrop on God's TV is the perfect example of a subtle and important part of a song."
-Jason Elkin, in review of Dave Pettigrew ~ Every Minute Miracles
“Dave Lorentz and Chris Benelli provide an impeccable (and interesting) rhythm section foundation."
-Indie-Music.com, for DB Leonard and the New Europeans ~ How Low Can You Go
"The bouncy, upbeat rhythm of 'Can't Give Her Up' boasts some neat percussion from Chris Benelli, part of Tannen's amazingly tight backing band.
-IndieMonkey.com, for Greg Tannen ~ Roam
What People Are Saying
“I first met Chris Benelli when he was playing drums and percussion on Steve Tannen's breakthrough solo CD "Big Senorita". I was thoroughly impressed by his great time, sound, feel, and seemingly boundless creativity. When he was doing percussion overdubs, we definitely put him through the wringer, but he never failed to come up with innovative, vibey parts, while maintaining a constructive, enthusiastic attitude. Since then it has been my pleasure to work with Chris on numerous recording sessions. That positive attitude has never flagged, and I have never been disappointed with his work. I have thrown him difficult charts in many different styles, and he's always come through like the talented professional he is. I find him unique in that he is equally comfortable taking direction or taking creative initiative as the situation demands. He is truly a gem of the music scene, and I would recommend him unhesitatingly!”
-Jon Gordon, Engineer/Producer/Multi-Instrumentalist (Madonna, Suzanne Vega)
“Chris Benelli is one of my favorite drummers and percussionists. I love his musicality and his creative, organic style. He's also a total pro. I had the good fortune of meeting him when we were just starting out, and playing with him for a number of years. I learned a lot about approaches to songs, arranging, preparation, and musical experimentation from Chris. He really helped shape the way I still work. Chris also has a distinctive style, by which I mean: I can tell when Jim Keltner is on a track, I can tell when Steve Gadd is on a track, and I can tell when Chris Benelli is on a track.”
-Steve Tannen, Nettwerk Recording Artist, The Weepies
"Benelli finds the pocket and rocks the sweet spot of every song, making it effortless to play along to his beautiful grooves. His timing is perfect. His delivery soulful yet precise. He makes the songs shine every time. Simply put, Chris Benelli is a joy to play with ... a songwriter's percussive dream come true."
-Annie Keating, Recording Artist
"Chris co-produced my first EP, the medea cycle, with me, and his help was invaluable. He has amazing ears and amazing ideas, and every meeting we had about the project revealed a new idea or perspective. He drew on his years of experience in studio work and in live situations to make my process smooth, challenging and exciting."
-Kate Kilbane, Recording Artist
“Chris Benelli is a GREAT drummer and a GREAT human being. He will make your music sound better. He will make your gigs a pleasure. He will make your recordings shine. He is easy and fun to work with. You cannot do better."
-Julie Flanders, Lyricist, October Project
"Chris is one of the most creative and tasteful drummers on the indie scene right now."
- Joesph Blaise, Recording Artist, My Glorious Mess