Hans Chew: Life & Love

Pianist Hans Chew has an energetic band with him for new album Life & Love. The group has some Southern rock tendencies in its sound, largely informed by guitarist Dave Cavallo’s tone as well as his Skynyrd-inspired style. Chew, though, has too much bursting through to be that easily pinned down. There’s a certain amount of boogie in his playing, and another chunk of groove. Throw in some blues and it adds up to just a classic sort of rock ‘n’ roll, equally fit for a theater or a bar. While the group knows what to do with a soulful song like “The Wedding Song” (including making room for Chew), they excel when they don’t need to keep their energy so focused and let it fly on songs such as, well, most of the rest of the album.