"Every time God's children have thrown away fear in pursuit of honesty- trying to communicate themselves, understood or not- miracles have happened." -Duke Ellington, from note to his First Sacred Concert

As a musician with a deep love for jazz and for the Church, Ellington's quote urges me on, as does the legacy of Mary Lou Williams. Jazz, which is rather on the fringe of society, is even more on the fringe of the life of the Church. I strive to "throw away fear in pursuit of honesty" as I bring together the richness of both jazz and liturgy.

NEW! From This Place (Deanna's sacred jazz recording)

Track samples available here: Gloria, Keep in Mind, Let My Prayer Rise, Christ the Light

In February, I began the process of making a new recording, entitled From This Place- this "place" being a focus on my sacred jazz material. The other musicians in the quartet are Donny McCaslin on saxes, John Patitucci on bass, and Scott Latzky on drums.

On June 30, I recorded several four-part vocal tracks with Laila Biali, Peter Eldridge, and Kate McGarry. Now I'm ready to begin mixing and mastering in anticipation of a fall 2008 release.

I need your help to cover the large expenses that come with making a recording. You might be wondering why I am fundraising for something that might seem to be purely self-serving. The reality, however, is that this particular recording is, for me, an offering to the Church at large. In this recording, there is a marriage of ancient Christian texts (i.e., mass texts, psalm texts) and hymn text (from writers such as Fanny Crosby and Erik Routley) combined with the richness of jazz. The music is accessible, soulful, and has the potential to reach beyond the "jazz" audience or the "Christian" audience (I don't even know if I know what either word means as a music category anyway!).

I believe with all of my heart that this record can have an impact on how all of us experience these ancient, beautiful texts. That is why I am asking those of you who have already heard this music, or who may have sung it yourself in a congregation or choir, to help to support the project with a donation or a pre-order.

I am honored that this sacred jazz recording is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions on behalf of this recording may be made payable to Fractured Atlas and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. You can contribute online or via snail mail.

To contribute online, just click below on the Fractured Atlas logo: 

To contribute via snail mail, contact me at hello@deannawitkowski.com for specifics.

Either way, as a donor, your name will be listed on a CD insert and you will also receive an mp3 of an original piece written for a lessons and carols service, called "Never Before." This three-part a capella piece is a meditation on the Magnificat, and a sample is available here.

If you would like to read more about this project, click here.  And if you would simply like to pre-order the CD (which also helps me with expenses), click here. THANK YOU for your support!

Online sacred music for purchase!

For the last couple of years, I've been slowly writing out piano parts (as well as easy-to-read lead sheets) for much of my sacred music, so that musicians can use this music in their own church services. Now I am very happy to announce that a partial online sacred music catalog is up, and I will be adding new files until the catalog is up to date. There are pdf and mp3 samples of each piece, and licensing info is listed directly on each sheet music file so that you can use the music in a worship service.

Sacred jazz in your neighborhood

Deanna travels extensively presenting sacred jazz in services, concerts, and workshops. She is happy to work with church music directors in making her music available to choirs and congregations in advance of an appearance. In addition to her own original music, she is also available for lecture/demonstrations on the liturgical music of Mary Lou Williams.

Some testimonials

Deanna's music has come along when we as church musicians need it the most. Her language is unique and fresh, and her melodies are singable by professional and amateur alike. Deanna brings soul to texts that may have passed away from the mainstream. -Paul Klemme, music director at St. Paul's Episcopal, Salem, OR

Deanna's sensitive, searching musical voice beckons you to join her explorations of the spirit.
-Cary Ratcliff, composer, music director, Bethany Presbyterian, Rochester, NY

Deanna's music is dynamic and moving as she weaves the sacred and secular into food for the spiritual soul.
-Reverend Judy Lee Hay, Calvary St. Andrew's Presbyterian, Rochester, NY

Deanna brings a rare musical intelligence to the music of the liturgy, supporting the familiar texts of the church with inventive melodies and rich harmonic movement. She's a major talent who has much to offer to the worlds of jazz and faith.
-Bill Carter, jazz pianist and pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Clarks Summit, PA

When David danced before the Arc of God, some folk were scandalized, but God was pleased, for David's dance was an expression of his joyful abandon to the Spirit of the living God. Witkowski's playing has that same spirit of joyful abandon. God's love poured out and touched even those who were convinced that jazz was not even good music, let alone a means of grace. When our jazz service ended the first person to speak with me was the chair of the worship committee who said, "When can we get her back?"
-Rev. William Weisenbach, DD, Senior Pastor First Presbyterian Church, Katonah, NY

For a more extensive listing of quotes, download the PDF.

Moving with the Spirit: the sacred music of Mary Lou Williams

Deanna joins Dr. Tammy Kernodle, author of Soul on Soul: The Life and Music of Mary Lou Williams, in a program of words and music devoted to the sacred jazz of Williams and Witkowski. This project had its premiere in January 2007 at Saint Peters Church in New York City, and is available for schools, churches, and festivals. In January 2008, Deanna and Tammy will be presenting a similar event as part of the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) Conference in Toronto, Ontario.

Download the January 2007 press release to read more. A sample CD with clips from the  event is available on request.