Deeply versed in jazz and classic soul music, PHER is equally comfortable in both musical realms, and often brings the techniques and cadences of one idiom into the other. Formerly known as Chris Turner, the Oakland native has become a phenomenon over the past decade, from his standout appearance on Snarky Puppy’s 2016 hit “Liquid Love” to collaborations with Usher, The Roots, Robert Glasper, Stevie Wonder, Sam Smith, Bilal, Eddie Palmeri, Esperanza Spalding, Jon Batiste and many others. PHER credits his formative years on the Bay Area scene with preparing him to thrive in New York City, where he moved to study at the New School and quickly became a sought-after background singer for a staggering roster of major jazz, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists. He joined the faculty of his alma mater in 2013 teaching voice at the New School’s jazz and contemporary music program to college students and pop artists such as Sean Kingston, 070 Shake and WolfTyla.