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Denise Donatelli

Denise Donatelli, a 2-time Grammy nominated and critically acclaimed Savant recording artist, has become one of today’s premiere jazz vocalists. Denise's GRAMMY nominations include her 2012 release SOUL SHADOWS for Best Jazz Vocal Album and her 2010 release When Lights are Low — which received two Grammy nominations, one for Best Jazz Vocal Album and another for Best Arrangement Accompanying a Vocalist for pianist and collaborator Geoffrey Keezer for his arrangement of "Don't Explain."

Denise’s four recordings, Soul Shadows (Savant Records, September 2012), When Lights are Low (Savant Records 2010), What Lies Within (Savant Records 2008), and In the Company of Friends (Jazzed Media 2005), have consistently topped the National Jazz Week radio charts. Her Grammy Nominated recording When Lights are Low peaked at #2 and remained on the chart for 23 weeks. It resurfaced 28 weeks later where it remained for another 7 weeks. Soul Shadows is another collaboration with 2-time Grammy nominated pianist, composer, arranger, Geoffrey Keezer. KSJS- FM Radio Programmer, Dr. Brad Stone considers Soul Shadows to be “Simply her best work to date!”

Denise also appears as guest vocalist on Grammy Award Winner Bill Cunliffe's Christmas recording, That Time of Year. (2011).

In addition to Denise’s 2010 and 2012 Grammy Nominations, The Los Angeles Jazz Society has honored Denise with their 2012 Jazz Vocalist of the Year award.

Denise tours extensively, performing at jazz festivals, jazz clubs, performing art centers, and with university jazz bands where she conducts master clinics.

Donatelli’s innate musicianship and pure tone have won her spots singing for episodes of The Simpsons, television promos for Frasier, Card Sharks and Turner Classic Movies and has appeared in national and international commercials for CNN, Hyundai, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz among others.

Awards

55th Grammy Awards Nominee 53rd Grammy Awards nominee for "Best Jazz Vocal Album" L.A. Jazz Society Honoree for "2012 Jazz Vocalist of the Year" 61st Annual Downbeat Magazine Critics Poll "Rising Star Female Jazz Vocalist" list top ten.

Denise Donatelli: Whistling in the Dark... The Music of Burt Bacharach

Read "Whistling in the Dark... The Music of Burt Bacharach" reviewed by Edward Blanco

by Edward Blanco
October 7, 2021

Multi Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Denise Donatelli joins forces with Grammy Award-Winning record producer Larry Klein to offer her first concept album devoted to single composer on the soft-textured Whistling in The Dark... the music of Burt Bacharach. The music from one of the greatest song writers in American musical history, was something both Donatelli and bassist/producer Klein had in common. Klein had stated that Bacharach's music “has been a part of [his] musical DNA...," while the vocalist affirmed that she ...

Album Review

Denise Donatelli: Whistling in the Dark... The Music of Burt Bacharach

Read "Whistling in the Dark... The Music of Burt Bacharach" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello

by Nicholas F. Mondello
August 22, 2021

The Burt Bacharach canon has always been fertile ground for artists of all kinds to explore. Stan Getz devoted an entire album to his fare. The big Bacharach hits are branded deep in the cultural psyche. Thus, the challenge that Grammy-nominated vocalist Denise Donatelli and producer Larry Klein have here is how to use a different ladle to invite you to imbibe from their recipe for Bacharach's musical champagne. The session offers four Bacharach/Hal David hits--three hits ...

Live Review

Denise Donatelli at Mezzrow

by Nicholas F. Mondello
January 10, 2019

Denise Donatelli with Geoffrey Keezer Keezer and Ron Blake MezzrowNew York, NY January 7, 2019 The intimate vibe at Club Mezzrow is hands-down the perfect musical playground for the versatile talents of Denise Donatelli, Geoffrey Keezer and Ron Blake--the skills of which were eminently displayed during the trio's opening set last evening. Ms. Donatelli yet again demonstrated that she is a vastly talented and engaging vocal artist--one who absolutely revels in such ...

Album Review

Denise Donatelli: Find a Heart

Read "Find a Heart" reviewed by Edward Blanco

by Edward Blanco
September 20, 2015

Multi Grammy nominee vocalist Denise Donatelli, unveils another gem of an album with the much-anticipated Find A Heart, collaborating once again with producer/arranger, pianist Geoffrey Keezer documenting a surprisingly new direction for the singer as she ventures into the non-standards area. The Great American Songbook will always be with us, here to stay forever as new re-interpretations of classics emerge every day. This project finds the vocalist and pianist exploring new territory as they take the music of modern pop ...

Album Review

Denise Donatelli: Find a Heart

Read "Find a Heart" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello

by Nicholas F. Mondello
September 1, 2015

There was once a best-selling non-fiction book titled The Road Less Traveled (Simon & Schuster, 1978). In it, author, M. Scott Peck, discussed human potential. With Find a Heart vocalist Denise Donatelli and her frequent collaborator, pianist Geoffrey Keezer, explore a repertoire that is unchartered for a jazzer. And, the decision to venture on this musical path yields a fascinating and beautifully rewarding aural journey. The L.A.-based singer, Grammy-nominated multiple times, is as good here as she's ...

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Live Review

Denise Donatelli and Janis Mann at Charlie O's, May 20, 2011

by Chuck Koton
July 10, 2011

Denise Donatelli Charlie O's Van Nuys, CA May 20, 2011 The Los Angeles area is blessed with the presence of many talented vocalists--drawn, no doubt, by both the Mediterranean climate and the abundance of studio work. In May, a pair of transplanted East Coast songbirds, Denise Donatelli and Janis Mann, warbled their way through several spirited and memorable sets at Charlie O's in the San Fernando Valley.Donatelli, an Atlanta native whose recording, When Lights Are ...

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Interview

Denise Donatelli: Songbird With A Grammy Nomination

by Marcia Hillman
March 27, 2011

Los Angeles-based vocalist Denise Donatelli won a Grammy nomination with her third CD, When Lights Are Low (Savant Records, 2010). An East Coast native and a recipient of classical piano training, she turned to singing jazz, wound up relocating to the West Coast and has since pursued her performance and recording career. This interview was conducted shortly after her Grammy weekend experience. All About Jazz: Talk a little about your musical background. Denise Donatelli: I was ...

Event

"Find A Heart" February 9-13 With 2016 Best Jazz Vocal Grammy Nominee Denise Donatelli

Source: EastWest Media
February 3, 2016

Denise Donatelli, who garnered her third consecutive GRAMMY Nomination this year in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category for her latest recording, Find A Heart, will take us on a “Big Noise/New York” tour of Manhattan with performances at five different jazz venues. Donatelli will perform with her superb band featuring Laurence Hobgood, piano; Lage Lund, guitar; Ed Howard, bass; and Jon Wikan, drums at the following venues: BIG NOISE/NEW YORK TOUR OF MANHATTAN – DENISE DONATELLI- FEBRUARY 9th – ...
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Recording

Multiple Grammy Nominee, Vocalist Denise Donatelli Releases Her Highly Anticipated New Recording, "Find A Heart" September 18th On Savant Records

Source: EastWest Media
August 25, 2015

Fifth Solo Album Expands Great American Songbook and Embraces Work of Modern Master Composers Beck, David Crosby, Donald Fagan, Sting, The Yellowjackets and Rock Powerhouse Journey. Features All-Star Cast of Musicians With Special Guest Appearance By Chris Botti Denise Donatelli, one of today’s premiere vocalists, alternating between jazz and adult contemporary with ease, has been on quite a roll! Her last two consecutive albums have received three Grammy nominations. She has been voted into the Downbeat Critics Poll as Female ...
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Event

Grammy Nominated Denise Donatelli’s " Soul Shadows " 2012-2013 CD Release Tour To Launch On October 12-13, 2012 At Vitello's Jazz & Supper Club In Los Angeles

Source: April Williams
September 8, 2012

Grammy nominated vocalist Denise Donatelli releases new recording Soul Shadows on Savant Records. “Donatelli rises towards the highest levels of the jazz vocal art" —Don Heckman “Donatelli slides between the role of singer and musician with the cool acrobatics of an athlete.” —John McDonough, DOWNBEAT “Denise Donatelli triumphs!” —Jonathan Takiff, Philadelphia Inquirer “The stellar, sensitive playing by all members of her band had to be top notch to mesh with Denise’s nonpareil vocal abilities. Simply her best work to date! ...
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Award / Grant

Grammy Nominated Vocalist Denise Donatelli Releases New Recording "Soul Shadows" on Savant Records. Musical Direction by Geoffrey Keezer

Source: Two for the Show Media
August 18, 2012

Los Angeles-based vocalist Denise Donatelli won a Grammy nomination with her second Savant CD, When Lights Are Low (Savant SCD 2109). An East Coast native and a recipient of classical piano training, she turned to singing jazz, wound up relocating to the West Coast and has pursued her performance and recording career ever since. Possessing a voice of exceptional nuance, agility and unerring pitch, Denise is able to imbue whatever she chooses to sing with her special warmth, wit and ...
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Performance / Tour

The Denise Donatelli Quartet Plays Charlie O's Jazz Club

Source: All About Jazz
June 17, 2010

Born in Allentown, Penn., Denise Donatelli was drenched in music from an early age. She has performed in jazz clubs and jazz festivals across the country.

Her first CD, In the Company of Friends, was released in 2005 on the Jazzed Media label and her 2008 release, What Lies Within on the Savant Records label, debuted on the National Jazz Week Chart at #15 and peaked at #11.

Her upcoming release with pianist, composer/arranger, Geoffrey Keezer, is scheduled for an ...
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Recording

Denise Donatelli: One of the Best Jazz Singers

Source: All About Jazz
June 15, 2010

I've been DJ'ing a jazz radio show for almost 20 years now and I always love “discovering" a new artist. Quite often, those “new" artists have been performing for years, and I just haven't been fortunate enough to hear them.

One such artist is Denise Donatelli. Born to a musical family in Allentown, Pa., Denise started playing piano at three. She studied classical piano for years and won several awards. However, she discovered early on that her real “love" was ...
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Performance / Tour

Denise Donatelli Birthday Bash

Source: All About Jazz
May 26, 2010

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Performance / Tour

Denise Donatelli Birthday Bash

Source: All About Jazz
May 17, 2010

Denise Donatelli Birthday Bash! Thursday May 27th 8PM to Midnight

Come Celebrate with Denise and Friends at the famous Charlie O's in the Valley.

Hip Music, Great Vibes and oh yeah..The Cake!

Denise Donatelli vocals (AKA Birthday Girl) Andy Langham, piano Hamilton Price, bass Kevin Kanner, drums

Thursday May 27th Charlie O's Jazz Bar and Grill 13725 Victory Blvd. Van Nuys CA 818/989-3110
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Performance / Tour

Charlie O's May Jazz Dates

Source: All About Jazz
May 2, 2010

Charlie O's is an intimate jazz club and restaurant originally established in 1987. We have been presenting live jazz performances seven nights a week from 8 PM to Midnight since August 17, 2000.

A great Intimate jazz club in the Valley Chuck Niles

Charlie O's May 2010 Schedule

May 1 Lanny Morgan John Heard Trio with Kevin Brandon, Roy McCurdy May 2 Closed Sundays May 3 Theo ...
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Performance / Tour

Denise Donatelli Valentines Dates

Source: All About Jazz
February 5, 2010

Spazio Friday, February 12 8:00pm - 12am

Denise Donatelli - vocals, Otmaro Ruiz - piano, Hamilton Price - bass and Aaron Serfaty - drums

Spazio Jazz and Supper Club 14755 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 (818) 728-8400

Happy Valentines Day! KJAZZ 88.1 FM presents Valentine's Day Jazz Dinner

Sunday, February 14 6pm - 9pm

Denise Donatelli - vocals, Otmaro Ruiz - piano, Hamilton ...
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"Denise Donatelli possesses that rare combination - sensuous tone, impeccable pitch and great jazz sensibility. She is truly an awesome jazz vocalist!" ~ Tom Scott

"There’s absolutely nothing shadowy but plenty sublime in Denise Donatelli’s latest recording, Soul Shadows." ~ Nick Mondello, Jazz Times

“An impressive showcase for Donatelli’s virtuosity and sheer musicianship ... Donatelli slides between the role of singer and musician with the cool acrobatics of an athlete.“ ~ John McDonough, DOWNBEAT

"The Keezer-Donatelli collaboration proves to be a winning combination once again as the Grammy attention about When Lights are Low most certainly affirms. There are no low lights here, as Denise Donatelli's star continues to rise and, with this recording, shine brightly." ~ Ed Blanco, ALL ABOUT JAZZ

"Denise Donatelli possesses that rare combination - sensuous tone, impeccable pitch and great jazz sensibility. She is truly an awesome jazz vocalist!" ~ Tom Scott

"There’s absolutely nothing shadowy but plenty sublime in Denise Donatelli’s latest recording, Soul Shadows." ~ Nick Mondello, Jazz Times

"I raved about Denise Donatelli in Financial Mail (July, 2009). She now has a new CD out on Savant named When Lights are Low, which has garnered two Grammy nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) for Geoffrey Keezer's arrangement of "Don't Explain"... and soaring over whole thing is the supreme voice and phrasing of Donatelli." ~ JAZZAHOLIC with Don Albert, NEWSTIME.co.za

"The first quality that was apparent - was the rich timbre of Donatelli's voice, which has the clarity and flexibility to sing almost any imaginable genre from pop/blues to operatic aria. And her airy, floating-over-the-rhythm rendering revealed why she is a singer jazz musicians love to love."  ~ Don Heckman, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES

"She's fearless as a singer and can sing anything she hears." ~ Jim Wilke, "Jazz After Hours" Public Radio International

"An impressive showcase for Donatelli's virtuosity and sheer musicianship ... Donatelli slides between the role of singer and musician with the cool acrobatics of an athlete. " ~ John McDonough, DOWNBEAT

"There is a distinct Streisand-esque resonance about Donatelli, particularly on her creamy "Why Did I Choose You?" and a nicely underplayed "Don't Explain." But there is also a subtle sandiness that underscores Donatelli's voice, making it more arresting. And her choices, both in terms of material and interpretation, tend to be bolder and more interesting." ~ Christopher Louden, JAZZ TIMES

"Singer and standard are well matched on this breezily poignant track from Donatelli's "When Lights are Low." ~ Elysa Gardner, USA TODAY PICK OF THE WEEK!

"Denise Donatelli triumphs!" ~ Jonathan Takiff, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

"This woman is a find!" ~ Doug Ramsey, Rifftides/ArtsJournal.com

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