Photo by Andrea Canter

One of Mary Louise’s most recent gigs was serving as one of the “house pianists” for the Minnesota Vocalists Showcase during the KBEM Winter Jazz Festival last month in downtown Minneapolis. In a trio performance at the Dakota last fall, Knutson presented material from original to Brazilian to Jarrett, sometimes unfamiliar and yet always accessible, the arrangements fresh and engaging. When not mixing it up with such delightful rhythmic detours as her arrangements of “Bluesette” and “Alone Together,” she opened her romantic soul, as with a heart-stopping rendition of Jarrett’s “My Song,” truly making it “her” song.

And of course the pianist has an incredible supporting cast in Gordy Johnson and Phil Hey. A former student of Ed Blackwell, Phil Hey is one of the busiest drummers in town and teaches jazz drum at Macalester College. A frequent performer at the Dakota and Artists Quarter, Hey is often found on the bandstand backing touring and local vocalists and small ensembles; he also manages percussion duties for the Pete Whitman X-Tet and leads his own Quartet. Gordy Johnson graduated from the Eastman School of Music with a major in flute, and played electric bass with Maynard Ferguson, Doc Severinsen, and the Paul Winter Consort. Focusing primarily on a 19^th century upright bass in recent years, Johnson has appeared on over 50 recordings with a who’s who of jazz and pop artists, and has kept time for most local and many visiting musicians. He’s released a sublime set of “Trios” recordings.

Mary Louise Knutson is somewhat reminiscent of Marian McPartland with her combination of strength and lyricism, line and texture, fresh reconceptions and exciting, beautiful original melodies. And like McPartland, she surrounds herself with trio partners who are stars in their own right and sympathetic collaborators on stage. “Piano Jazz” is alive and well in Minnesota!