Deanna Witkowski Music

Skip the CDs with the movie star-like photos and big hype and tune in to Witkowski's offerings for a real treat. You won't find yourself wondering if you've heard these tracks before, as you might have when tuning in to many of the cookie-cutter smooth jazz releases of the past few years. Lots of complex rhythms, plenty of great scat and solo work, and real musicians (no synthesized drum and bass tracks) make this a keeper. Can't wait to hear the next release.

deanna witkowski's 'having to ask' demonstrates all that is good and true in modern jazz music. a skilled composer, witkowski has blended classical training with the passion she has developed for jazz in its myriad of forms of expression with startlingly beautiful results. as a musician, she displays a relaxed dexterity that suits both original compositions and covers. each note is a carefully thought out statement evoking profound emotion. in comparison to the unaffected confidence she displays at the piano, witkowski's vocals are less assured, though no less skillful, producing an endearing contrast. like the photographer whose defenses are dropped when she steps in front of the camera, witkowski's vocals reveal a cool honesty that is refreshing. on 'having to ask', all of witkowski's talents combine to produce the type of jazz album that can be both exhilarating and soothing at the same time. from the afro-cuban rhythms of "happening at once" to the understated determination displayed in "starting over", witkowski proves, undeniably, that there is already a thriving crop of new jazz masters ready to carry on the traditions established by the likes of joao gilberto, louis armstrong and stan getz.

This CD of mostly originals by Deanna Witkowski is quite spectacular in most respects. The overall sound of the album is excellent, and the ensembles are tight, with ambitious arrangements and complicated time/feel changes that are navigated smoothly. Most of the cuts are sophisticated and satisfying. The opposite of background music, or "smooth jazz", this is an intelligent CD that needs your attention to be fully appreciated!

Deanna's light, airy vocals are a perfect fit for the hip, changing grooves on the first track, which also features passionate solos in a tune slightly reminiscent of Urszula Dudziak's work. Deanna's piano work is astounding overall - she plays with mastery, whimsy, humor and finesse - sounding a bit like Bill Evans on BLAME IT ON MY YOUTH, and swinging solidly on I'M ALL SMILES. The latter song reveals her vocal limitations, however - the only reason for 4 stars, and not 5!

This is a wonderful debut cd by a gifted young artist. Deanna Witkowski skillfully infuses Latin and African elements in her original compositions, creating fresh, energetic music. She also remains true to her Chicago-jazz roots, mixing in some of her artful renditions of cherished classics.

Witkowski is backed by an exceptional band and blessed with a ethereal singing voice, but the most powerful source of expression on this recording is Witkowski's flawless piano work. On each track, whether she's improvising off a Cuban percussion line, or rendering a tender solo ballad,Witkowski goes beyond mere technical proficiency into the rare territory of a true expressive artist. Not only can you tell that she loves to play, but she loves what she is saying to you through her instrument. This is a special recording, and I can only hope that it is the first of many, more.

Skip the CDs with the movie star-like photos and big hype and tune in to Witkowski's offerings for a real treat. You won't find yourself wondering if you've heard these tracks before, as you might have when tuning in to many of the cookie-cutter smooth jazz releases of the past few years. Lots of complex rhythms, plenty of great scat and solo work, and real musicians (no synthesized drum and bass tracks) make this a keeper. Can't wait to hear the next release.

deanna witkowski's 'having to ask' demonstrates all that is good and true in modern jazz music. a skilled composer, witkowski has blended classical training with the passion she has developed for jazz in its myriad of forms of expression with startlingly beautiful results. as a musician, she displays a relaxed dexterity that suits both original compositions and covers. each note is a carefully thought out statement evoking profound emotion. in comparison to the unaffected confidence she displays at the piano, witkowski's vocals are less assured, though no less skillful, producing an endearing contrast. like the photographer whose defenses are dropped when she steps in front of the camera, witkowski's vocals reveal a cool honesty that is refreshing. on 'having to ask', all of witkowski's talents combine to produce the type of jazz album that can be both exhilarating and soothing at the same time. from the afro-cuban rhythms of "happening at once" to the understated determination displayed in "starting over", witkowski proves, undeniably, that there is already a thriving crop of new jazz masters ready to carry on the traditions established by the likes of joao gilberto, louis armstrong and stan getz.

This CD of mostly originals by Deanna Witkowski is quite spectacular in most respects. The overall sound of the album is excellent, and the ensembles are tight, with ambitious arrangements and complicated time/feel changes that are navigated smoothly. Most of the cuts are sophisticated and satisfying. The opposite of background music, or "smooth jazz", this is an intelligent CD that needs your attention to be fully appreciated!

Deanna's light, airy vocals are a perfect fit for the hip, changing grooves on the first track, which also features passionate solos in a tune slightly reminiscent of Urszula Dudziak's work. Deanna's piano work is astounding overall - she plays with mastery, whimsy, humor and finesse - sounding a bit like Bill Evans on BLAME IT ON MY YOUTH, and swinging solidly on I'M ALL SMILES. The latter song reveals her vocal limitations, however - the only reason for 4 stars, and not 5!

This is a wonderful debut cd by a gifted young artist. Deanna Witkowski skillfully infuses Latin and African elements in her original compositions, creating fresh, energetic music. She also remains true to her Chicago-jazz roots, mixing in some of her artful renditions of cherished classics.

Witkowski is backed by an exceptional band and blessed with a ethereal singing voice, but the most powerful source of expression on this recording is Witkowski's flawless piano work. On each track, whether she's improvising off a Cuban percussion line, or rendering a tender solo ballad,Witkowski goes beyond mere technical proficiency into the rare territory of a true expressive artist. Not only can you tell that she loves to play, but she loves what she is saying to you through her instrument. This is a special recording, and I can only hope that it is the first of many, more.

At some point in time, a "Wide Open Window", of opportunity will unveil itself. Envision an atmosphere where one navigates the possibilities of merging ideas of the present and future then you'll discover a remarkable young pianist named Deanna Witkowski. "Wide Open Window" is Deanna's sophomore effort; I haven't heard her debut recording from 1998. Deanna hails from the Windy City, upon this riveting second outing, the wonderful talents that this lady processes informs that you're in for impeccable journey in jazz blended wrapped by the intriguing melodies of Afro-Cuban music that lures you into the grace and beauty of this exquisite collection of music.

If you're looking to embrace jazz with a touch of Afro-Cuba flavored ingredients then this record comes highly-recommend. Keep all eyes upon Deanna Witkowski and her record label Khaeon Records, please follow this core of diversely talented jazz musicians that are on the horizon.

Rob Young, Smooth-Jazz.de/Abstract Groove's

At some point in time, a "Wide Open Window", of opportunity will unveil itself. Envision an atmosphere where one navigates the possibilities of merging ideas of the present and future then you'll discover a remarkable young pianist named Deanna Witkowski. "Wide Open Window" is Deanna's sophomore effort; I haven't heard her debut recording from 1998. Deanna hails from the Windy City, upon this riveting second outing, the wonderful talents that this lady processes informs that you're in for impeccable journey in jazz blended wrapped by the intriguing melodies of Afro-Cuban music that lures you into the grace and beauty of this exquisite collection of music.

If you're looking to embrace jazz with a touch of Afro-Cuba flavored ingredients then this record comes highly-recommend. Keep all eyes upon Deanna Witkowski and her record label Khaeon Records, please follow this core of diversely talented jazz musicians that are on the horizon.

Rob Young, Abstract Groove's

. . . seldom sticking to stereotypes, always branching out into new aesthetics, even as it annexes previously unknown musical vistas, and seeming to recreate itself every dozen or twenty years.

This disc, purveyed by a way-geeky looking redhead female pianist of heroic proportions, assaying super-sophisticated Afro/Cuban jazz, reeks of authenticity despite its unlikely genesis. But that's jazz for you. Wide Open Windows, her second outing of three as leader (neither the previous, Having to Ask, nor the subsequent, Length of Days, heard by me) is a stunner.

Witkowski, a player of great presence on piano, has absorbed, internalized, and reconfigured that venerable music, Afro-Cuban jazz, with complete ease and authority. With entirely sympathetic and deft bandmates (Jonathan Paul, bass, and Tom Hipskind, players never before heard by me, and, especially, rising saxman, Donny McCaslin on four numbers equaling about half the time), she establishes herself as a huge presence on the Latin/jazz scene.

My only gripe is her "Sanctus," arising, one supposes, out of her stint as musical director of All Angels Episcopal Church on Manhattan's Upper West Side. As a Catholic Christian, I applaud her desire to honor God with her jazz; unfortunately, this setting of the great liturgical hymn is just too mundane and "poppish" to make much of an impression. Couple that with her mediocre vocals, and you have the weakest number on the disc, despite some muscular sax from McCaslin.

But that's hardly worth complaining about, seeing as it comprises only 2:45 of disc time, so I'm not even going to subtract a half star. In any case, this is really fine Latin jazz, which, if you're at all a fan of, you won't want to miss.

At some point in time, a "Wide Open Window", of opportunity will unveil itself. Envision an atmosphere where one navigates the possibilities of merging ideas of the present and future then you'll discover a remarkable young pianist named Deanna Witkowski. "Wide Open Window" is Deanna's sophomore effort; I haven't heard her debut recording from 1998. Deanna hails from the Windy City, upon this riveting second outing, the wonderful talents that this lady processes informs that you're in for impeccable journey in jazz blended wrapped by the intriguing melodies of Afro-Cuban music that lures you into the grace and beauty of this exquisite collection of music.

"All Through The Night" a Cole Porter tune opens the 10-song set. Ms. Witkowski with the support of a talented cast of sidemen travel without variables reframing this piece, romping this sassy samba with continuity. This is vintage trio jazz swinging at it's best.

Coming in at the second spot, Deanna gives us her self-penned composition titled "New August Tune" This track is influenced by her studies of Afro-Cuban Jazz with Cuban piano masters Chucho Valdés and Hilario Duran in the mid `90s, this cut grooves with a purpose. Mirroring the masters that came before him tenor saxman Donny McCaslin solos convincingly, commanding your attention every step of the way with this dynamic performance.

The title track penned by Witkowski "Wide Open Window" makes its appearance with a bop like sensibilities featuring not only the talents of Ms. Witkowski impressionistic piano stylings. Saxophonist Donny McCaslin reveals way he's not your average musician he assuredly breathes life into the cold steel as if Deanna wrote the tune with him in mind.

"From This Moment On" comes in at 4th spot. Deanna elegantly captures the essence of Cole Porter composition in an alluring yet in a seductive fashion adding texture with a touch of sultry backing vocals, which she also provides. Midway through this number Deanna illustrates way she's a serious player to recon with in the world of jazz.

Ms. Witkowski delivers another self-penned composition, this one's called "A Rare Appearance". The band shuffles the harmonic melodies like a rim-shot without hesitation, trading solos back and forth with endless array of energy displaying their talents as sideman that will indeed open doors for them.

"Speak My Name," penned by Deanna is another boppin' number highlights some seriously strong chops by the pianist. Her sideman at this vantage point negotiates with flawless interplay between one another probing and weaving with exceptional prowess.

By now it's obvious that Ms. Witkowski adores Cole Porter's compositions and arrangements. This time it's "Just One Of Those Things" the seventh track on the cd. Deanna tackles this swinging tune with fire in her hands, rumbling chords joyously trading solos with bassist Jonathan Paul and drummer Tom Hipskind in this trio setting without falter.

Deanna approaches the next tune with timbre yet reconstructing the imagery of this melodic masterpiece, she sustains this stellar moment by co-writers Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz titled "You and The Night and The Music" with good taste and harmonious phrasings while flirting with each note.

The distinctive yet swinging sounds of "A Wonderful Guy" by Rodgers and Hammerstein comes in at the nine spot. Sparked by fuel Deanna delivers again with support from her more than ample sidemen as they engage in the fundamentals of jazz in unison with complex rhythms that raises the bar of quality musicianship!

"Sanctus" the last selection on "Wide Open Window" is a tune written by Deanna. Ms. Witkowski lends her vocal talents too us in a subtle way, providing a nice touch for the conclusion of this mesmerizing collection of songs.

If you're looking to embrace jazz with a touch of Afro-Cuba flavored ingredients then this record comes highly-recommend. Keep all eyes upon Deanna Witkowski and her record label Khaeon Records, please follow this core of diversely talented jazz musicians that are on the horizon. ...

I've listened to this album 100's of times. It has THAT much in it - to fascinate an attentive ear for hours. The musicality and ensemble work is 1st class. She has great piano chops and her singing blends seamlessly with the sax. Indeed, it sometimes sounds like a saxophone duet. Her band members are Killer!