Deanna Witkowski
Having To Ask
Tilapia Records
Pianist
Deanna Witkowski is a deeply spiritual musician enveloping much
energy and love into music, evident in her debut recording "Having
To Ask." This recording explores a variety of Afro-rhythms
that touch the sublime and avant garde idiosyncrasies of Jazz.
The musicians include Jim Gailloreto on saxophones and flute,
bassist Jonathan Paul on various tracks, bassist Rob Amster,
drummer Tom Hipskind and Jose Gregorid on percussion.
With a resplendent vocal texture, Witkowski opens with "Happening
At Once" highlighting some varied Afro-Cuban rhythms with
sax and voice on the melody. A fast samba, the band scurries
on "Rains In Kenya" with Gailloreto discharging an
impetuous solo on suprano sax. A light swing that combines some
odd rhythmic patterns make for an interesting sound on "Cooked
Macaroni." Deanna touches the piano with gentle persuasion
on the somber ballad "Blame It On My youth." The title
track "Having To Ask" offers some uptempo Latin Jazz
fusion. "Danzòn Para Hilario" pays homage to
one of Deanna's piano tutors Hilario Duràn.
Deanna sings expressively on "I'm All Smiles" featuring
an acoustic bass solo. A contemporary smooth Jazz groove is felt
on ""Starting Over." The Charlie Parker tune "Au
Privave" allows Deanna and the band to explode into some
Afro-Cuban Jazz tumbao featuring a rapid drum solo. The last
track "Leaving Space" maintains a steady cha-cha rhythm
amidst some lush harmonic changes.
By enlarge, this recording offers a pleasant listening experience,
leaving little doubt about Witkowski's able musical talent as
a Jazz pianist and composer. However, by mostly staying within
the middle range of the piano, Deanna demonstrates a limited
amount of technical proficiency--making it up in depth of harmonic
application. Her improvisation is simplistic, calm and predictable--an
area that will improve with more experience and musical maturity.
The supporting cast sounded good, although sometimes the drums
seemed to be out of sync with the rest of the band during the
fast moving rhythms. Deanna is a noteworthy musician to keep
an eye on in the future.
review by John Davis
JDavis@latnjazzclub.com
Contributing writer
LatinJazzClub Magazine
Comment on this article: