Mary Louise Knutson Trio

Jazz pianist-composer Mary Louise Knutson has been called “one of the most exciting 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. Knutson tours regularly with her group, the Mary Louise Knutson Trio, whose music has been described by JazzTimes as “state-of-the-art piano trio finery,” and by the Star Tribune as “timeless, classic piano trio music, right up there with Bill Evans and Bill Charlap.” And from 2010-2018, she toured with trumpeter Doc Severinsen, former bandleader for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. 

Knutson has also performed with such jazz greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby McFerrin, Dianne Reeves, Kevin Mahogany, Ernie Watts, Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, Nicholas Payton, Slide Hampton, and many more. Knutson’s latest CD, In the Bubble, made JazzWeek‘s Top 10 and stayed in the Top 50 for 19 consecutive weeks. In 2006, Knutson was a Minnesota Music Awards nominee for both Jazz Artist of the Year and Pianist of the Year, and in 2005, she was a Finalist in the Kennedy Center’s Women in Jazz International Pianist Competition. Knutson can be heard regularly with her group, the Mary Louise Knutson Trio (or as a soloist), at clubs, festivals, concert halls, and private events; with area vocalists Patty Peterson, Connie Evingson, and formerly with the late Debbie Duncan; and with a variety of instrumental groups including the JazzMN Orchestra and the Minnesota Orchestra.

Mary Louise Knutson – piano
Steve Pikal – bass
Phil Hey – drums