Concert Review: ‘Dena DeRose Trio'

Dena DeRose Kicks Off 'Art of Jazz' With A High Energy Set

Binghamton native Dena DeRose returned to upstate New York February 2, 2025 to kick off the 2025 “Art of Jazz” series at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. She and her trio heated up the newly renovated Lipsey Auditorium on a snowy Sunday with her unique take on the American Songbook.

A full set list and more information may be found at the end of this review.

The Dena DeRose Trio, February 2, 2025 at The Buffalo AKG Art Museum Auditorium, “The Art of Jazz” series. L-R (1) Sherrie Maricle (drums), Jeff Campbell (bass), Dena DeRose (piano).

Dena DeRose is a pianist and vocalist in the vein of Blossom Dearie, Shirley Horn, Marian McPartland, and Diana Krall. She combines a bebop-meets-honkey-tonk piano style with a bright, agile voice, and scat vocals doubling her keyboard.

As a teen, she frequently drove from Binghamton to New York City to hear piano legends such as Hank Jones, Mulgrew Miller, and Kenny Barron. DeRose is currently based in Europe, teaching at the University of Music in Graz and the Siena Jazz University.

She has released 15 recordings since her 1998 debut, “Introducing Dena DeRose,” and in June 2025 she will be releasing her fourth album for High Note Records.

---