CHRIS ANDREW

AWAKENING

Chronograph Records

Chris Andrew, solo piano.

“Awakening” is the debut solo piano album for Chris Andrew.  It clearly shows his ability to use both technique and emotion to present an album with well balanced harmony, rhythm, and a strong sense of improvisation that spotlights the freedom he feels on the 88-keys.

His supportive bass lines, played by his left hand in the lower register, often create totally fresh melodic lines that highlight counterpoint harmonics, never losing the rhythm or melodic integrity of the tune.  For example, on his original song, “Choro Para Oscar” his awesome technique, featuring both hands busy, has each one creating their own melodic beauty. It’s impressive!

This lovely album was recorded over three days at Domaine Forget de Charlevoix in Quebec, Canada.  This Western Canadian musician is celebrated as a vital force on the Canadian jazz scene, as both a pianist and composer. He has composed nine out of eleven songs on this album.

The title tune is another beautifully written piece of music with a melody that is pleasing to the ear.  He surprises me with little twists and turns I didn’t necessarily expect.

I was eager to hear him play a ‘cover’ tune.  He does an incredible job on the familiar jazz standard, “Like Someone in Love.”  Starting out slowly, he develops the tune’s melody and harmonically enriches it with carefully picked harmonics.  After one time down, he changes the complexion of the ballad to a very classical presentation, that almost completely reinvents the song I know so well.

Chris Andrew has received the TD Grand Jazz Award at the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award.  This album shows the mastery of his piano playing. It reinforces the reason he is so appreciated on the world stage.

During this production, Andrew draws from modern jazz, swing tunes, Brazilian and Latin arrangements and also his gospel roots to introduce us to his composer voice. On an original composition he calls “Diggin’” he shows off his ability to create rhythm with a staccato bass line, while improvising wildly with his right hand.

On another creative composition, he uses his gospel flavors to color the song “Reverence” in a sweet and powerful way. I was held in rapt attention by the emotional integrity and creativity that Chris Andrew brings to each and every song presentation.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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