Kris "O" Nandharaj

Kris Nandharaj is an accomplished guitarist, educator, and composer based in Bangkok, Thailand. His musical journey began at age 15, rooted in rock influences before transitioning into jazz under the mentorship of eminent Thai musicians, including Nu Vudthivichai, Prode Tanapat, Wuthichai Lertsatakit, Tanadech Khawmanee, Gunn Rujinarong, and Nakarin Teerapenun, Prathan Phakdeephon. After earning his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Silpakorn University in 2004, Kris relocated to New York City to further his artistry. In 2008, he was accepted into NYU Steinhardt’s Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions. During his time in New York, Kris studied under legendary jazz icons such as John Scofield, Wayne Krantz, Peter Bernstein, Bruce Arnold, Jean-Michel Pilc, Kenny Werner, Dave Pietro, Ralph Alessi, Pete McCann, Brian Lynch. Upon graduating with a Master of Music in Jazz Performance in 2010, he served as an adjunct guitar instructor at NYU and performed extensively across the US East Coast at prestigious venues including the Highline Ballroom, Gramercy Theatre, and the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. Returning to Bangkok in 2012, Kris became a highly sought-after session and ensemble guitarist. He has performed and recorded with prominent regional and international acts, including Mellow Motif, Bomi’s Homies (Korea), Big to the Future (Netherlands), T-Bone, and The Begins Grand “the house band for The Voice Thailand”, and Jazziam, Mola Mola Sunshine Feat.Hers. His international footprint spans major festivals and venues across Asia, including the Thailand International Jazz Conference (TIJC), Cat Expo, Big Mountain Music Festival, Once in a Blue Moon (Korea), Sultan Jazz Club (Singapore), and the Macau Jazz Week. Currently, Kris serves as an adjunct professor at Silpakorn University and delivers specialized online instruction, including his 2026 course, The Hybrid Guitarist’s Vol.1, with the Symphony Music and Art School. A prolific recording artist, he released his instrumental jazz album, Kris Nandharaj Quartet Plus One (West Side Story), via Baicha Song in 2022. His latest 2026 releases include "New Love" with the Steve Bell Projects (now streaming on Spotify), with upcoming collaborative projects alongside Baicha Song and Ae Stone Soul slated for late 2026.

Jazz and contemporary guitar, improvisation, ensemble playing, rock-fusion vocabulary, composition, recording musicianship, and stage-ready performance for modern guitarists.

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, Silpakorn University; Master of Music in Jazz Performance, NYU Steinhardt. Former adjunct guitar instructor at NYU and current adjunct professor at Silpakorn University. Studied with John Scofield, Wayne Krantz, Peter Bernstein, Bruce Arnold, Jean-Michel Pilc, Kenny Werner, Dave Pietro, Ralph Alessi, Pete McCann, and Brian Lynch.

Performed across the US East Coast at venues including Highline Ballroom, Gramercy Theatre, and the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. Collaborated with Mellow Motif, Bomi’s Homies, Big to the Future, T-Bone, The Begins Grand, Jazziam, and Mola Mola Sunshine feat. Hers. Festival and venue appearances include Thailand International Jazz Conference, Cat Expo, Big Mountain Music Festival, Once in a Blue Moon in Korea, Sultan Jazz Club in Singapore, and Macau Jazz Week. Released Kris Nandharaj Quartet Plus One (West Side Story) via Baicha Song in 2022, with 2026 releases and collaborations including Steve Bell Projects, Baicha Song, and Ae Stone Soul.