In works from her six CDs, Deanna will take us on a musical journey from her gorgeous improvisations on CHOPIN (found on her acclaimed CD Rain drop: Improvisations with Chopin) to hard-swinging, adventurous arrangements of COLE PORTER standards (Wide Open Window; Length of Days) to sparkling reimaginings of traditional hymns (Makes the Heart to Sing: Jazz Hymns) to the “beyond-category” pianism of MARY LOU WILLIAMS’ “Music for the Soul”, the name of Deanna’s upcoming biography of Williams. Guiding us through this joyous musical experience, Deanna will provide program commentary for this rich and diverse program.

Witkowski’s rare ability to combine strong, soulful jazz with a marked generosity towards her audiences and band members continues to attract jazz and non-jazz fans alike to her music, as evidenced in her win as best pianist at the 2016 HotHouse New York Fans Decision Jazz awards. Her six recordings range from hard-swinging, adventurous arrangements of Cole Porter standards (Wide Open Window; Length of Days) to sparkling trio reimaginings of traditional hymns (Makes the Heart to Sing: Jazz Hymns) to solo piano that blurs the lines between Brazilian, jazz, and classical (Raindrop: Improvisations with Chopin). Witkowski has recorded with jazz luminaries including bassist John Patitucci, vocalist Kate McGarry, and saxophonist Donny McCaslin, who was an integral member of Witkowski’s quartet for four years.