Deanna Witkowski

Force Of Nature

MCG, 2022

8/10

Listen to Force Of Nature

The 7th album from the pianist Deanna Witkowski, Force Of Nature concentrates on the work of Mary Lou Williams, as Witkowski brings some esteemed players into the very diverse dozen tracks.

“Gjon Mili Jam Session” leads the listen with Clay Jenkins’ trumpet, Scott Latzky’s drums and Daniel Foose’s bass making for a spirited version of free jazz, and “Aries (From Zodiac Suite)” follows with Witkowski’s finger acrobatics cultivating a very elegant yet playful early album highlight.

Elsewhere, “Lonely Moments” illustrates the dynamic strength of the rhythm section as the trumpet provides plenty of adventurousness, while “What’s Your Story Morning Glory/Ghosts Of Love” offers much sublime intimacy in its meticulous, absorbing nature.

“Dirge Blues” arrives near the end and places Dwayne Dolphin on bass and Roger Humphries on drums for the cautious and flowing climate, and “My Blue Heaven” exits the listen with charming bass plucking to complement the agile finish.

A very creative endeavor, Witkowski does a great job of preserving the legacy of Williams yet putting her own inimitable spin on the record while embracing the spirituality and timelessness of the song craft.

Travels well with: Roxy Coss- Disparate Parts; Bill O’Connell- A Change Is Gonna Come