For those unaware, Chris Keefe has performed across North America in cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, New York, Boston and Calgary. He has performed at jazz festivals including Jazz at Banff Centre and the Lake Placid Institute.

He has also performed with notable jazz musicians including Joe LaBarbera, Darek Oles, Rufus Reid, Don Thompson, Antonio Sanchez and many more. Chris received his Bachelor of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music and a Master’s from the Manhattan School of Music. He studied under Kenny Werner, Fred Hersch, Charlie Banacos and Douglas Buys.

For his new recording, the aptly-named Opening (out now), Keefe has invited two superb musicians to join him: bassist Harvie S and drummer Adam Nussbaum, both of whom complement Chris’ piano perfectly.

1. Got a Chick?
2. Modern
3. Along Came Betty
4. I Fall In Love Too Easily
5. Just In Time
6. Chobim
7. Dream

This fun, upbeat and infectiously heartfelt new album (one filled with three originals and four covers) opens on the drum-led, groovy hipsway of Got a Chick? and is beautifully complemented by my favorite track, Modern and then we get the first cover, this one a rich, rhythmic rendition of Along Came Betty.

Along next is another of my own personal favorites, the succinctly executed I Fall In Love Too Easily (the story of my life, in truth!), and that is in turn backed by the innovative styling of Just In Time, the album rounding out on another original, this one the engaging Chobim, coming to a close on the unvarnished arrangements within Dream.

Official Website