Chehalis was conceived in 1978 and has existed in numerous forms and configurations. It's concept is similar to the early King Crimson, in which Robert Fripp was the only constant member of the group. The various incarnations of King Crimson changed personnel over the years, but Fripp was the central figure in it's evolution. Guitarist Greg West is the founder of Chehalis and envisioned it to be a musical chameleon. Although Greg has primarily performed and recorded as a solo artist, Chehalis became the vehicle for non-guitar related projects and ensemble compositions. Chehalis originally began performing progressive rock music, but in it's various evolutions it has been an acoustic ensemble, a progressive folk group, and a test bed for electronic music projects. The band's most recent lineup consisted of Greg West and his oldest son, Christopher. Greg has since moved on from this project to pursue other musical avenues. Christopher West is now the chief contributor to Chehalis.