"...a talented singer with an attractive voice... [Donna] excels on such material as Chick Corea’s “High Wire” and Joni Mitchell’s “River,” singing lyrics with sensitivity and honest feeling... High Wire will be enjoyed by fans of warm jazz-inspired vocals."
"I regularly read obituaries on the demise of the American song canon. So why is it that so many of best and smartest younger singers -- the real virtuosos who actually can sing -- keep doing them? Without getting nostalgic or academic about it, Donna Deussen nails a dozen ASCAP beauties on her High Wire CD with cool assurance. A bright voice under the control of an agile musicianship and wise good taste."
"... on “Blues in the Night”, Donna struts through this tune like she owns it. This is the blues the way it ought to be presented... on "Blues Skies," Irving Berlin somewhere is nodding appreciatively in Donna Deussen's direction. The American love song is often a thing of exquisite beauty and that is certainly the case in the last tune on this recording "With Every Breath I Take" Donna Deussen shines like an aurora borealis on this ballad. Her phrasing is impeccable, her tone is clear, and a joy to the ear of the discerning listener. 5 Stars"
“Two Thumbs WAYYY Up! This is easily one of the most enjoyable CD's I've heard all year...I hear a lot and don't get the urge to write about many, but I just have to spread the word on this one. Donna gets it ALL exactly right; her pitch, rhythm, and most importantly her feel for these songs is right on target as she sings in a variety of styles. Her voice is always pleasing, and she gets vocally creative without wandering into diva territory. Her backing trio is powerfully subtle, lending support and flexing their own muscles while staying true to the composition. Great production (also by Ms. Deussen) makes a perfect blending of all the elements. Highlights? Every track! I'll be spinning this one a LOT, and recommend it very highly.”
“Favorite Cuts are: #5, 6, 7, 8, and 11; and Yes! We will be playing your CD at our station!“
"High Wire is a debut recording by an artist that’s got a lot of vocal spunk. With an air-tight rhythm section of Mark Massey (piano), Aldo Bentivegna (drums) and Anders Swanson (bass), Donna Deussen confirms audibly that she is a sweet-toned delight that has an articulated and well timed delivery. And she uses her incredible skills to put an extra pizzazz into a varied collection of jazz standards. Deussen gracefully gallops along at Chick Corea’s frenetically paced “High Wire” and keeps her collective cool without breaking into a sweat. Supported by Bentivegna’s sublime brushwork, she gets laid way back on “Skylark”, as well as sounding vulnerable and fragile on the wispy “With Every Breath I Take” with keyboardist Massey."
"Your diction and intonation told me you are a magnificent story teller in song. I understood every word, I heard every note. Both were beautifully conveyed and I loved it all!!!! Mostly, I loved the way you served us the old vintage wine in the new bottles. I speak of, "Nature Boy" and "Old Devill Moon". Both bottles were slammin', lady!!!! I couldn't get enough of it. Thanks again!!!!!"