Biography

As a film and TV composer, CJ has composed music for Christopher Guest's projects, including the Netflix movie "Mascots," along with "Waiting For Guffman," "Best In Show," "Almost Heroes," "For Your Consideration," HBO Series "Family Tree." Some of the other films and TV shows CJ has scored include"Slingshot" (David Arquette) and "Deep In The Heart" (Val Kilmer). He has also done music for movies such as "Sweet Home Alabama," and TV movies such as "If These Walls Could Talk" for HBO.

As a music producer, CJ has produced a wide range of artists such as Toto, Joe Cocker, Def Leppard, Steve Lukather, Harry Shearer, Michael Bolton and Spinal Tap.

As a songwriter, CJ has worked with writers such as Carole King, Paul Williams, Barry Mann, Gerry Goffin, Dianne Warren, Phil Collen, Desmond Child and many others.

CJ has also been musical director/keyboardist on world tours in 33 countries with Tears For Fears, Joe Cocker, Tina Turner and Spinal Tap. Over the last year CJ has written and performed pieces for the Dalai Lama and Muhammad Ali. He recently worked with Al Pacino in the recent release "Danny Collins." CJ's piano playing is featured throughout the movie, and he appears onscreen singing and performing with Al and an All-Star band headed by Don Was.

In 2016, CJ also produced a solo project with Jeff "Skunk" Baxter that features guest artists such as Michael McDonald, Clint Black and Jonny Lang, along with a new album from Spinal Tap's bassist, Derek Smalls' solo project that features with the Sydney Philharmonic.

CJ recently completed a commissioned piece for the Muhammad Ali Foundation, which he performed live for Ali's family and dignitaries who attended the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards on in Louisville following his passing. CJ has also performed both privately and publicly for the Dalai Lama.

As a keyboardist CJ has played with artist such as: Toto Def Leppard Prince Joe Cocker Tears For Fears Spinal Tap Ringo Starr George Michael Bob Seger BB King Michael McDonald Celine Dion Barbra Streisand Dolly Parton Kenny Loggins Tina Turner Carole King David Crosby Neil Diamond 'NSync Chris Botti Dave Koz Richard Marx Julio Iglesias
- IMDb mini biography by: CJ Vanston