Mary Louise Knutson

People often hire me as a soloist, or with my duo or trio, for great ambience throughout their party. My bandmates and I are well dressed, punctual, courteous, and happy people, so you'll get a great vibe from us!

Whether playing solo or with my duo or trio, my/our repertoire includes jazz classics by Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, Lerner & Loewe, Gershwin, Ellington, as well as songs made popular by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, and Norah Jones. I also play pop tunes by Stevie Wonder, the Beatles, Burt Bacharach, the Bee Gees, and more. All the stuff people love to hear! Or let us know what you'd like to hear and we'll try to accommodate you. I've been a pro for over 35 years and would love to create a joyful mood for your event.

Minneapolis-based jazz pianist and composer, Mary Louise Knutson (k’NOOT-son), 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 local and national music scene.

Knutson has performed as a soloist and with her group, the Mary Louise Knutson Trio for over 35 years and her trio music has been described by JazzTimes as "state-of-the-art piano trio finery," and by the Star Tribune (Mpls, St. Paul) as "timeless, classic piano trio music, right up there with Bill Evans and Bill Charlap." From (phone number hidden)8, Knutson toured with trumpeter Doc Severinsen, former bandleader for the Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson.

Though much of her career has been performing on the main stage, Mary Louise loves to perform for private events as a soloist or with her duo or trio. Take advantage of this great opportunity to hire the best of the best!

Ideally, I'd use the piano at the venue or at your home, and it should be tuned within a few days prior to the event. But if a piano is not available I'll bring my keyboard. For that, I'd need a power outlet within 20 feet. If you're hiring my duo or trio, my musicians will bring their own instruments (upright bass and drums) and nothing more is needed.