Jazz / Vocal
Urban
Hard Bop
Vocal Pop
Traditional Pop
Vocal Jazz
Recorded:
* April 4-6, 1996, Clinton Studios, New York, New York
* April 8 & 9, 1996, Presence Studios, Westport, Connecticut
Dianne Reeves: Vocals
Joe Williams, Germaine Bazzle, Kimberly Longstreth: Additional Vocals
Bobby Watson, Phil Woods, James Moody: Saxophones
Harry "Sweets" Edison, Clark Terry: Trumpet
Al Grey: Trombone
Toots Thielemans: Harmonica
Kenny Barron: Piano
Rodney Whittaker: Bass
Herlin Riley: Drums
David Torkanowsky, Roger Holmes, Kenwood Dennard and Eddie del Barrio: Arrangers
Dianne Reeves has long had the potential to be the top female jazz singer but so many of her previous recordings were erratic as she skipped back and forth between idioms. However after years of flirting with jazz and being seemingly undecided whether she would rather be a pop star, she at last came out with a full jazz album in 1996 and it is a classic. The supporting cast on the ten selections, which feature different personnel on each cut, is excellent. Joe Williams shares the vocal spotlight on "Let Me Love You" and a touching version of "Tenderly," Germaine Bazzle sings along with Reeves on "Side By Side" and a rendition of Charlie Ventura's "Ha!" Other highlights include Nat Adderley's "Old Country," "Some Other Spring" and "Cherokee." Despite the heavy "competition," the leader emerges as the star of the set due to her beautiful voice and highly expressive singing. This highly recommended CD is the Dianne Reeves release to get.
Includes liner notes by David Torkanowsky |
