Chris Donnelly represents a new generation of jazz pianists, composers and improvisers dedicated to creating programs that are engaging, entertaining and educating. He is continually praised for his virtuosic performances, musicality, versatility and ability to captivate audiences. In September 2008, Chris released his Juno-nominated, debut album with Alma Records called  Solo,  featuring a blend of original material and arrangements of jazz standards. This also earned him nominations for "Best Recording of the Year" and "Best Keyboardist of the Year" from the 2009 National Jazz Awards.
 
Chris's solo piano performances often feature composers with cross-genre qualities from Nikolai Kapustin, Egberto Gismonti or Canadian Doug Riley but can also include a wider range of repertoire that includes original compositions, selections from the Great American Songbook, and a number of traditional and modern jazz compositions. 
 
Most importantly, audience members are exposed to an ambiance that is energetic and virtuosic but also sensitive and intimate while covering a wide range of styles and traditions from jazz, classical, Brazilian, stride, swing, blues and gospel.  Ultimately, Chris Donnelly's performances attract a wide audience base that holds interests in virtuosic pianism, contemporary compositions and numerous styles, genres and disciplines. 
 
Chris plans to tour BC with a couple of audience-friendly programs:
 
1. The Art of Improvisation in which he explores a couple of different improvisational styles, improvisation vs. written music, jazz vs. classical, improvising in the jazz tradition etc. This program starts with more traditional approaches to improvised music and gradually moves to more complex forms/approaches/styles etc. 
 
2. The History of Jazz Piano featuring the music of: Scott Joplin, George Gershwin, Teddy Wilson, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Doug Riley, Nikolai Kapustin, Egberto Gismonti and of course, Chris Donnelly

Home Base: Ontario

Touring Schedule: Click here