Search - Diane Schuur :: Friends for Schuur

Schuur is Wonderful.

Bob Biz | Los Angeles, CA United States | 10/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Friends For Schuur" is DIANE SCHUUR'S first recording for Concord Records and she sounds as dynamic as ever. But Diane's not flying solo as she's enlisted plenty of her friends and they are Friends For Schuur. The album is chock full of stellar collaborations beginning with a digitally reintroduced Stan Getz sax solo on a rendition of "Easy Living" and finishing with a take on Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called To Say I Love You" featuring Herbie Hancock and "Finally", a brand new Wonder track on which Stevie lends both vocals and a harmonica solo. The rest of the album is rich throughout with Alan Bergman & Dave Grusin contributing to a luscious version of "It Might Be You (theme from "Tootsie")" and Ray Charles matching vocals on an inspired live version of "It Had To Be You". Another highlight is "Red Cab To Manhattan" which has a wonderful pop chorus, one that might help this song nestle in perfectly at adventurous Adult Contemporary radio. Produced by Phil Ramone, this eclectic album magnificently showcases Diane's multi-faceted vocal artistry."

Diane's strong Concord debut

James Fenos | Columbus, OH United States | 02/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After recording only one album for Atlantic, Diane appears a year later with this recording, a departure from her previous album. Whereas Diane's Atlantic recording places her with simple rhythm section true to form jazz, this album is more pop oriented. The re-introduction of Stan Getz on the opening track "Easy Living" finds Diane reunited with her mentor, the man responsible for overseeing her first recordings with her first label GRP. The inclusion of Stan, even as an overdub, seems to say she's found a new home and she's staying for a while. Indeed, she followed up this cd with "Swingin' For Schuur" and as of this writing she is preparing a release of original music written and produced by label mate Barry Manilow, it's to be released early spring. There is not one song out of step, it's become redundant to say her singing is right on, she finds a passion with every note she sings. Stevie Wonder makes a welcome subdued appearance, as does Stephen Bishop. The inclusion of the live tracks is welcome, they were recorded while Diane was with GRP. Concord must have a great legal department. Excellent album and it's nice to see Diane with a stable recording contract."

Schuur's surer than ever!

James Fenos | 12/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Diane Schuur, or Deedles, as she is affectionately called by her friends, is back with a beatiful, eclectic album. Those who love jazz vocals will be entirely satisfied with her rendering of "Easy Living" featuring Stan Getz digitally re-introduced. Deedles simply shines on this performance. "It Had To Be You" with Ray Charles is not recommended for highly impressionable listeners! Schuur is at her best in vocal and artistic terms here. Needless to say, Ray Charles is a very good match. "I Just Called to Say I Love You" is a wonderful surprise: the tempo is slow and definitely on the jazz side, with a great vocal arrangement (featuring The Rob Mathes Voices) and, just in case, Herbie Hancock on piano! This song , which is actually not very interesting in its original version is a very healthy feast touched by Schuur's miraculous talents."Love Like Ours" is just exquisite and most suitable to very demanding, subtle audiences. In a different style, "Red Cab to Manhattan" with Stephen Bishop is divine: incredible vocals including Deeds' unique scat, friendship and freshness all around. The rest of the songs are ballads so very well conceived musically and vocally (though with Diane Schuur there is no such difference) that one can't but sit down and enjoy. Stevie Wonder and Diane Schuur sound wonderful together in "Finally". For those still not acquainted with the two-time Grammy Award winner, New First Lady of Jazz, "Friends for Schuur" is a good start. However, I recommend listening to every single past recording by this amazing artist. You might wish to know that Diane Schuur is white (though you will find it hard to accept!) and that she happens to be blind. Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan may really rest in peace now."