Witkowski, Deanna
Tilapia, 2022, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 28.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 79
O’s Notes: Deanna Witkowski is a jazz pianist, composer and also a writer. Mary Lou Williams: Music For The Soul is her biography of the legendary pianist, composer Williams and her journeys in music, faith, love and perseverance. Deanna calls Mary Lou a Force of Nature and the twelve Williams compositions on this recording reflect that. This is happy music and Deanna does a great job of bringing it into our space, making it an enjoyable listening experience. The core band is Witkoskski’s trio with Daniel Foose (b) and Scott Latzky (d), including Clay Jenkins (t) on four selections. Dwayne Dolphin (b) and Roger Humphries (d) inject the Pittsburgh groove into three selections notably “Intermission”. Other highlights are “Lonely Moments”, a beautiful rendition of “Stomping At The Savoy” and “What’s Your Story Morning Glory”.
Publicist: Lydia Liebman Promotions