Mary Louise Knutson '88
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In the Bubble. Compact disc, 2011. |
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Call Me When You Get There. Compact disc, 2001. |
Biography
Minneapolis-based jazz pianist and composer, Mary Louise Knutson, has been called "one of the most exciting and innovative artists to happen to jazz piano in quite some time." Her warm, inviting tone, broad range of emotional expression, and distinctive compositions have brought her much recognition on the national music scene. In 2004, Knutson was the recipient of Lawrence University's distinguished Nathan M. Pusey Alumni Achievement Award for significant contributions and achievements in a career field, and in 2005, she was a Finalist in the Kennedy Center’s Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Pianist Competition. In 2006, Knutson picked up Minnesota Music Award nominations for both Jazz Artist of the Year and Pianist of the Year. Knutson has performed with such jazz artists as Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby McFerrin, Dianne Reeves, Kevin Mahogany, Nicholas Payton, Ernie Watts, Slide Hampton, Doc Severinsen, Mike Stern, Richie Cole, Greg Abate, Von Freeman, Peter Erskine, Billy Hart, Ed Shaughnessy, and Richard Davis.
Website: www.marylouiseknutson.com
In the Bubble (Compact disc, 2011)
Knutson’s second jazz trio release, In the Bubble, showcases her tasteful playing and arranging as well as her gift for composition. Six standards plus five originals - which range from a McCoy-ish “Can You Hear Me Now?” to an ECM style “Sea of Qi” to a gospel style “Luminous” (a bridge written for “You Are My Sunshine”) - complete this highly accessible mainstream-to-modern collection. Twin Cities rhythm icons, bassist Gordon Johnson and drummer Phil Hey, are Knutson’s band mates for the mainstream styles, which comprise half the album. Two other dynamic drummers, Greg Schutte and Craig Hara, are individually featured with Knutson and Johnson for the remaining tunes, which cover a variety of contemporary jazz styles.
“Swinging and wonderful...In the Bubble is my pleasant surprise of the day. I love it.”
Judy Carmichael, Radio host - Judy Carmichael’s Jazz Inspired, NYC
“Polished, accomplished and always in the pocket...tasty throughout, this is a goodie not to be missed.” Chris Spector - Midwest Record Review
“...a masterful combination of original works and new arrangements.” Andrea Cantor - JazzINK.com
Call Me When You Get There ( Compact disc, 2001)
Knutson’s debut jazz trio CD, Call Me When You Get There, charted in the Top 50 in the United States and Canada for eight consecutive weeks and earned Knutson the award for Top New Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year from KWJL Radio, California, in 2001. Featured tracks include her award-winning compositions and signature arrangements of such jazz classics as "Tangerine", "Green Dolphin Street", and "Gone With the Wind" and range from the joyful lyricism of "Call Me When You Get There" to the impassioned blaze of "Meridian".
“Call Me When You Get There is...state-of-the-art piano trio finery." JazzTimes
"...an excellent pianist whose voicings sometimes recall Bill Evans...she has a talent for coming up with fresh melodies. This is an impressive disc..."
LA Jazz Scene
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