"the definite arrival of Denise Donatelli — here she is out front as the vocalist, choosing an eclectic selection of material to act as a canvas for the warm texture of her voice, her intuitive phrasing, sense of humor and sensitivity."...more
~ Marcia Hillman, AllAboutJazz-New York

When Lights Are Low is in Andrew Gilbert's 10 Favorite New Jazz Recordings of 2010
~ TheCalifornia Report, KQED

"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."

~ Edward Blanco, All About Jazz » more

"A superb singer -- gifted with a warm voice, wonderful tone, unlimited creativity of phrasing -- backed by great musicians, performing a top-class repertoire magnificently arranged by producer/musical director/pianist Geoffrey Keezer. Who could ask for more?"

~ Arnaldo DeSouteiro, Jazz Station - blogspot.com » more

"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 » more

"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, JazzTimes » more

Denise Donatelli is a true contender for jazz female vocalist of the year.

~ Ralph A. Miriello, » notesonjazz

Donatelli rises toward the highest levels of the jazz vocal art. » more

~ Don Heckman, International Review of Music

"When Lights are Low is a knockout, an outstanding, beautiful CD on all fronts ..." » allaboutjazz.com
~ Nick Mondello, AllAboutJazz.com

"Denise Donatelli triumphs
(with arrangements by Geoffrey Keezer)!"
~ Jonathan Takiff, Philadelphia Inquirer

"Why Did I Choose You?" is a USA Today Pick of the Week!
"Singer and standard are well matched on this breezily poignant track from Donatelli's When Lights Are Low." » USAToday.com
— Elysa Gardner

"West Coast-based jazz vocalist Denise Donatelli says she was influenced more by instrumentalists than singers. She continues to work her craft magnificently on her latest recording When Lights Are Low. This package is a pleasing listening experience from an artist who knows how to deliver a lyric." » thejazzpage.com

"Denise Donatelli is a mesmerizing jazz vocalist, in command of her expressive instrument while offering her heart and soul with each note. There is kind-heartedness and a quiet beauty to these songs, which allow a true sense of artistry to emerge. Quite simply, What Lies Within is an elegant, beautiful album." ..more
~ Jordan Richardson, canadianaudiophile.com

"Donatelli is in the band, not with the band or singing in front of the band. She doesn't sing songs as much as she shapes them, with a big-as-all-outdoors range that is another brush for Keezer to paint with. Every piece she touches has the confidence of someone who's making an initial, defining statement. Combined with Keezer's acumen as a producer and arranger, that makes for one glorious date." ...more
~ J Hunter, AllAboutJazz.com

" 'On What Lies Within' (Savant) she proves she has the voice, the feel, the phrasing and the taste." ...more
~ Don Albert, Financial Mail, South Africa

"As the liner notes indicate, Donatelli chooses to "be another instrument." This approach is reminiscent of Stan Kenton's work with vocalist June Christy. However, Donatelli sounds like no other instrument. She possesses a silky smooth quality that enables her to sing anything, is lyric-driven and gifted with perfect pitch and wonderful timing. Keezer's fine piano contributions and arranging are heard throughout the CD, but it is Donatelli's voice that stands out, having an enveloping power." ...more
~ Marcia Hillman, All About Jazz NY, Feb. '09

"A truly elegant outing, What Lies Within will appeal to the most fastidious connoisseur of contemporary jazz vocals." ...more
~ Melody Breyer-Grell, Cabaret Exchange

She is smooth, sensual, and has a resilience that is almost hypnotic. Donatelli doesn't overuse her vibrato, it reminds me sometimes of the approach Miles Davis had with his trumpet. His trumpet was his voice, and he often spoke in a manner only his intended recipient is supposed to know. Donatelli's voice is that musical, she uses it as a fine instrument." ...more
~ John Book, therunoffgroove.blogspot.com

"Certainly a highly tasty vocal date, everyone here has a lot on the ball and you can hear it loud and clear. Powered by a solid, powerful voice, this is a date that vocal fans should make an effort not to miss." ...more
~ MIDWEST RECORD, CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher

"Denise Donatelli owns a magnificent voice with a very wide range and is so at home in every style she approaches that she both excites and soothes with every note she sings. She is definitely in her shining hour!" ...more
~ Grady Harp

"Donatelli has a marvelous instrument, blessed with a honey and cognac sound, effortless range, and the capacity to articulate every note - whether Autobahn cruising or on-the-beach strolling - with relaxed precision." ...more
~ Don Heckman, International Review of Music

"Donatelli's warm and confident vocals are flawless throughout the session, exuding a freshness that is rarely heard on vocal jazz CDs." ...more
~ Ken Dryden, All About Jazz

" 'What Lies Within' represents a significant leap forward.
boppin' verve... gorgeously navigates... plunges deeply into the persistent heartbreak..." ...more
~ Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times (December '08)

"Riches in talent song and swing. Every aspect here is a treasure to appreciate, enjoy and just swallow up. It´s a feast for the ears and heart. Producer/pianist Geoffrey Keezer has put together a musical framework that illuminates and resonates beautifully with Donatelli's incredible vocal instrument. Donatelli not only shines there, but also, sparkles spectacularly throughout this entire CD. Hers is a highly unique voice of grace, swing and style.

Donatelli's tasteful approach is never overbearing. Her sense of pitch is as precise as an atomic clock. Donatelli's vocal touch here is so yearning. Her interpretation and interaction with the words are never heavy. Each syllable is milked just so.

Donatelli's keen sense of pitch and nuance makes her unison forays here virtually instrumental - in both senses of the word. ...simply a spectacular and very special musical effort. Donatelli will move and groove you." ...more
~ Nick Mondello, Jazz Improv (December '08)

"This is an album that has all that the jazz lover could wish for, an all star grouping plus a singer that has the innate ability to impart her message with both elan and spirit." ...more
~ John Gilbert, ejazznews.com

"Singing softly and with measured emotion, Donatelli delivers a warm performance on the ballad.. a jazz singer who belongs in the upper echelon of modern jazz vocalists. Her performance, along with the accompaniment from an ensemble of first-call players makes this a first-rate recording." ...more
~ Edward Blanco, All About Jazz

"Well, to the present generation of wonderful songstresses Nancy, Cassandra, Dee Dee, Diane Reeves and Roberta Gambarini come to mind it's time to add another name: Denise Donatelli. She conjures up feelings of Mark Murphy in her approach and Flora Purim in her sound - a potent combination to be sure. Move over, ladies." ...more
~ Ralph A. Miriello, jazz.com

"Donatelli flexes her vocal chops successfully without becoming tedious. She offers a fresh approach to songs worthy of being revisited, and has the vocal acumen to make it interesting without gimmicks or pyrotechnics." ...more
~ Ralph A. Miriello, jazz.com

"This is a brave departure from safe ground for Donatelli, and while it does not have the instant accessibility of her first outing, it is an impressive recording that deserves attention from those who are looking for growth in an artist." ...more
~ Joe Lang, January '09 Jersey Jazz.

"Whether tackling a bop-oriented standard, a drone piece or a pop composition with complex harmonies, Donatelli always sounds relaxed and natural. Singing seems as easy for her as talking is for the rest of us. She deserves recognition well beyond Southern California, and Keezer deserves applause for displaying her voice so favorably." ...more
~ Scott Yanow, Jazziz

"With her sophomore release, Denise Donatelli beyond a doubt establishes herself as one of the brightest vocal stars on the horizon. "What Lies Within" is a recording of astounding depth, with exciting arrangements by pianist-producer Geoffrey Keezer and imaginative performances by all involved. Donatelli´s voice is exhilarating as it takes flight..." ...more
~ Tom Ineck, bermanmusicfoundation.org

"Denise Donatelli is a musician´s singer and here she is teamed up with one of my favorite musicians, Tom Garvin, and the results are exquisite, to say the least. The lady does it all, but not all at once. Each tune is given a personal reading that reflects the composer, lyricist, arranger and accompanist's intent while retaining her own individuality and identity!
I haven't heard such vocal artistry since Irene Kral."...more
~ Phil Woods

"...blessed with a pure, powerful voice that suggests the rock-solid assurance and keen intelligence of Ann Hampton Callaway tempered with a soupcon of Lena Horne." ...more
~ Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times Magazine

"Donatelli turns an inarguably sublime interpretation... She is true to the melody without being predictable. Her expression is deliberate. Her intonation is impressive. She has developed her natural musical gifts, and has created a highly musical recording, on which she sensitively and powerfully shares her soul." ...more
~ Winthrop Bedford, Jazz Improv Magazine

"Phil Woods praises her for the musical gifts she has honed despite her lack of formal training. Woods has never been accused of indiscriminate praise, particularly of vocalists. Donatelli justifies every claim he makes for her." ...more
~ Doug Ramsey, Rifftides/ArtsJournal.com

"Jazz vocalist Denise Donatelli is a breath of fresh air in a market seemingly saturated with female singers. Her debut recording is a stunning effort. Donatelli has a warm, sensuous voice and doesn't resort to histrionics to get her message across." ...more
~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide

"In the current market glut of beautiful female singers, it takes a good deal to stand out in the vocal crowd. What makes Denise Donatelli's release of mainstream jazz (featuring the best Los Angeles studio musicians) rise above the crop is her ability to enunciate and pronounce lyrics with a stunning sensuality. Hear a voice that will remain in your mind hours after the CD is done and do yourself a favor and get a copy of In the Company of Friends." ...more
~ George Harris, All About Jazz

"Denise Donatelli brings the rich texture of her voice and the subtle rhythmic stride of her phrasing to the forum through a program of familiar jazz standards on In the Company of Friends. Working with an all-star ensemble of Los Angeles veterans, she's comfortable with a balance of heartfelt interpretation and sparkling musical persuasion." ...more
~ Jim Santella, All About Jazz

"There is no point mincing words; this is a very impressive debut by singer Denise Donatelli. The arrangements by pianist Tom Garvin are modern and complex with a variety of standards being reharmonized in unusual ways, but Ms. Donatelli has no difficulty singing above the often-dense ensembles, sounding warm, always in-tune and swinging lightly." ...more
~ Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene