Having to Ask

Deanna Witkowski | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 28, 2000)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: The Orchard
• ASIN: B00002064E
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #691,595 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Happening at Once

2. Rains in Kenya

3. Cooked Macaroni

4. Blame It on My Youth

5. Having to Ask

6. Danzón Para Hilario

7. I'm All Smiles

8. Starting Over

9. Au Privave

10. Leaving Space (Last Cha-Cha- In Chi-Town)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a wonderful debut cd by a gifted young artist., November 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Having to Ask (Audio CD)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Any questions? The answers are here!, April 10, 2000

By 

middlemoo "maraschino" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Having to Ask (Audio CD)

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!

5.0 out of 5 stars Tired of synthesized "jazz" CDs?, June 6, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Having to Ask (Audio CD)

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.