Christopher Dell studied vibraphone, piano and composition from 1985–90 at the conservatories in Hilversum, Rotterdam and Boston.
He has received numerous awards and scholarships, among them the “Downbeat Allstar Award” 1990, Jazz prize of the city of Frankfurt 1993, ERTA composition award 1996, German critics award for his CD “Dancers on a Plane” in 1998, 2001 Jazzart award - Music of the 21st century.
He has toured in Canada, USA, Japan, India, Africa and Europe with interdisciplinary projects (performances, sound installations, lectures, etc). He has developed a very individual style of playing and composing, incorporating techniques of modern jazz as well as new music.
Since 1993 he has been teaching at the "Jazzconceptions", Darmstadt in Germany. Between 1992-2000 he was Assistant Professor at the Academy of Sound-Arts, Darmstadt, a foundation of the studio for improvisation and experimental music. During 1991-1992 he was a teacher for piano at the Jazzschool Frankfurt a.M.
He has been mentioned by the press as follows:
- "genius at the vibraphone" - Rheinische Zeitung
- "a true storyteller on his instrument, outstanding" - Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
- "probably the most important vibraphone player of his generation, worldwide“ - Frankfurter Rundschau
- "advanced aesthetic in sound" - Jazzpodium
- "a strong player, constantly intriguing" - Downbeat
- "an excellent musician" - Gary Burton, renowned US jazz musician
He has worked with : Bob Brookmeyer, Lee Konitz, Art Farmer, Kenny Wheeler, Michel Godard, Benny Golson, Jazzensemble of the HR, Albert Mangelsdorf, Cristof Lauer, Charlie Mariano, Barry Altschul, NDR Big Band, WDR Big Band, and Lalo Schifrin among others.
