Deanna Witkowski- From This Place

Albums

After years of playing and performing straight-ahead jazz and Brazilian jazz, this native Chicagoan (she currently resides in New York) has emerged with an inspirational disc based on the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

Backed by a group that includes musicians from her working quartet (Donny McCastlin, saxophones; John Patitucci, bass; Scott Latzky, drums), Witowkski sings and plays music that could easily fit within the format of a mass – including “Kyrie,” “Gloria” and “Sanctus” set to original music.

Going in a more sacred direction, however, has not changed her jazz tendencies – tunes like the bluesy “Let My Prayer Rise (Psalm 141)” and “Song of Simenon” would not at all be out of place in a club – all the improvisation characteristic of the genre are present there, and can be fully appreciated by those who don't plan to set foot in a house of worship anytime soon. The music is rich and enjoyable regardless of one's religious leanings

Label: Tilapia Music
Release Date: 2-25-09

-Ernest Barteldes