Born and raised in Chattanooga, Chris Haley has a background in classical, rock and jazz.  Influenced at an early age by the pianists he saw on television, Peter Nero and Paul Smith, he began studying piano and played in his high school jazz band.  He went on to major in music theory and composition at the University of TN at Chattanooga.  While in college he played in a rock band with fellow music majors throughout the Southeast and played with the college jazz band.  During college he was introduced to the music of legendary Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson whose style is evident in Chris's playing.  After college Chris fronted his own jazz trio for 4 years at the prestigious Walden Club in Chattanooga, as well as playing freelance jobs.  In recent years Chris has performed professionally with various groups throughout the Chattanooga area including big bands, quartets, trios and jazz ensembles.