Force of Nature

EDITORIAL REVIEWS
REVIEW
Pittsburgh-based pianist, composer, arranger and noted author Deanna Witkowski has released her striking new album Force of Nature. Lovingly conceived and radiantly realized, this multi-leveled masterpiece displays Witkowski's glorious musicianship and encyclopedic command of a multitude of genres and techniques, while also revisiting the compositional genius of the major 20th-century artist Mary Lou Williams. The album also smartly documents the firm musical and spiritual connection between Williams and Witkowski. Force of Nature is released today on all platforms courtesy of MCG Jazz. --Broadway World

This musical homage to Mary Lou Williams, Deanna Witkowski’s mentor and Pittsburgh soulmate, complements Witkowski’ biography, Mary LouWilliams: Music for the Soul. But Force Of Nature is a bold statement of its own, even though most of its 12 tracks, including three from the album Zodiac Suite, are interpretations of Williams originals. The album opens with “Gjon Mili Jam Session,” Williams’ debonair homage to a 1940s jazz photographer, featuring Clay Jenkins’ playful trumpet and a Witkowski piano solo that turns ever more percussive. “Cancer,” spliced with “Act Of Contrition” from Williams’ religious work Mary Lou’s Mass, is the most contemplative of the three Zodiac updates. Jenkins’ voice-like trumpet adds to the affectionate dreaminess Witkowski brings to this beautiful tune. The protracted ending affirms Witkowski’s comfort with the large gesture. She follows with the energetic “Lonely Moments,” a showcase forJenkins and a testament to Witkowski’s command of the melodic line. Her trades with drummer Scott Latzky are invigorating; the whole group is in on this high-wire act. The atmospheric center of the album is “What’s The Story, Morning Glory?/Ghost Of Love.” Latzky’s brushwork and Daniel Foose’s careful bass lines keep this mini-medley at a slow burn, but Witkowski eventually stretches out, draping the melody over her bandmates. Latzky’s snare helps propel“Force Of Nature,” Witkowski’s brisk original. In each track, Witkowski finds a still center; here, she gives way to Foose’s urgent bass and Latzky’s rimshots, gathering strength to return for a triumphant close. --DownBeat Reviews

The opening number is a very fresh take of Gjon Mili Jam Session, which Williams dedicated to the photographer whose Life Magazine shots introduced her to a national audience. Witkowski romps through bluesy variations, up to a striking, stern modality over the floating swing of bassist Daniel Foose and drummer Scott Latzk. Trumpeter Clay Jenkins raises the energy with his soaring, sailing lines. --New York Music Daily

Number of Discs: 1

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