***Surprise of the Week***

Chris Donnelly
Solo
Alma Records
www.alamarecords.com
By George W. Harris

Never heard of this guy before listening to this disc, but let me tell ya-he’s got a great touch AND approach to music. A solo piano disc shows a lot about a musician’s heart, and he’s got a lion’s. His allegiance leans towards bop, as he displays on Bud Powell’s “Hallucinations,” but don’t let that fool you. He takes Parker’s “Donna Lee” and does variations on it via key, tempo and even format, and turns it inside out while taking you on a wooden roller coaster ride. Whew! His interpretations of Satie and Faure are clever and rich, while his own “For The Drifters” and 12 minute “Overtime” display a fearless patience. Nothing short of stupendous.