Chris Andrew: Awakening

CHRONOGRAPH RECORDS (RELEASED APRIL 24, 2026)

Listening to Awakening, the first solo release from Canadian pianist Chris Andrew, reminds me of March — it comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb! Things come on strong with the original “Out the Door.” Andrew’s rhapsodic opening unfolds into a dynamic and rhythmic, Monk-like tune that loosely references “Angel Eyes.” On this and several other tunes, his playing evokes the wit and charm of Jessica Williams. His strong left hand adds a percussive swing to the bass line while his right hand playfully and lyrically shapes and reshapes the melody. This virtuosic approach continues with the Latin groove of “Choro Para Oscar” and Gigi Gryce’s “Minority,” at times sounding more like a piano duo session rather than a solo recital. Although the mood of “Awakening,” “Coastal Mist” and “Digging” are more reflective in nature, Andrew’s strong approach to solo piano keeps things moving in the right direction. That direction begins to shift a little on “Reverence,” a soulful, gospely sound reminiscent of Keith Jarrett’s early work. Then the boldness of the lion begins to transform into the calmness of the lamb as Andrew’s style turns to more introspective and atmospheric pieces such as the lullaby feel of “Letters for Millie,” the pastoral mood of “In My Mind,” the almost new age stillness of “Illumination” and a flowery version of “Like Someone in Love.” A well-respected bandleader, musical collaborator and educator in Alberta, Canada, Andrew draws from his experiences playing jazz, funk, pop, Latin and musical theatre, which may explain the startling shift from lion-to-lamb on the 11 tunes of Awakening.

BOTTOM LINE: Canadian pianist Chris Andrew is his own best accompanist on Awakening. His left hand is constantly shaping the tunes while his right hand floats effortlessly over the keyboard. The eleven selections on Andrew’s first solo outing range from modern jazz swingers to soothing introspective etudes. Depending on which style you prefer, Awakening is half empty or half full.