Customer Reviews

Having to Ask

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.