Reviews

Solo Piano-Lessons-Ensemble Performances-Reviews

"I suspected it would be good to catch the Cohen-Rutkowski Project again at the Jazz Kitchen, but I'd forgotten it had been so long ago as the Covid-emergent era of November 2021. It proved well worth a return visit, as this well-stocked, mutually supportive group commendably held down the one-set Sunday night spot at the club yesterday...The set ended with Rutkowski's "Copacetic," a piece that made me a fan in 2021."
Jay Harvey Upstage, 7/28/25

"We loved having you with us at the Columbia Club. Your piano music was a lovely touch!"
11/10/25

"Thank you for your wonderful performance at Cinemania! Your talent and energy helped make the night unforgettable—we’re so grateful to have had you as part of the event."
Diana Gingerich, Senior Manager of Events, Heartland Film Festival

"Chris Rutkowski's haunting and ultimately affirming setting of Theodore Roethke's "The Waking"...drew on images of earthly nature and human angst to create expressive and technically challenging pieces...The Roethke texts speak of the four seasons, and yet, together they suggest to Rutkowski 'a journey or the soul from darkness to enlightenment.' To me they represent a soul's yearning for and discovery of God.

Whitney Smith, "Talented choir depicts flights of soul, seasons" The Indianapolis Star, 3/13/00

"You always bring such a magical feel - you made the evening so special and I'm so thankful!!! Here's to more collaborating in 2025!!
Kate Baker, Executive Director, Noblesville Main Street. 12/14/24

"Just spent another delightful evening listening to Cohen-Rutkowski. This time at the Prewitt in Plainfield, IN, twice before at Sara’s Soiree (!!) in Noblesville. Two very solid musicians that perform sometimes as a duo and sometimes as part of a larger ensemble (Cohen-Rutkowski Project). If you like jazz (or just like good music in general) go hear them next opportunity. They’re the real deal"
From Facebook (9/14/24)

"Bloomington's musical Tuesday was capped by premieres, (including)... an 8 o'clock program by the IU Wind Ensemble, which held a Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble, written by an alum of the university, Chris Rutkowski. (His) new alto saxophone concerto was just one of several highlights heard during the IU Wind Ensemble concert, interestingly planned and ably led, as one expected, by Stephen Pratt. But it earned special plaudits for the imagination displayed in its content, the craftsmanship manifested in the orchestration, and the range of opportunities it gave the soloist, the gifted Thomas Walsh, who seemed to have a grand time as he headed into a musical vista that merged jazz and classical traditions and, as the composer states, provided an "emotional arc" that moved through "anger, loss, reflection, appreciation and celebration."

Peter Jacobi, "Music review: IU Wind Ensemble and David Ward-Steinman. Five premieres in two concerts overlap in one night of music" Bloomington Herald-Times, March 27, 2008

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