Recording now for a couple decades, Diane Schuur's singing has matured with age. She now fills out her middle and lower registers in ways that enhance her formidable beginnings. Over the years she's moved easily from small... more » combos to large and swinging bands. For her third release on the Concord label she revels in late night moods and matters. The album's thirteen songs were written specifically for Schuur by Barry Manilow, who also co-produced the set. It's a good match, as both Manilow and Schuur have drawn from or even immersed themselves in pop material as well as jazz. A song like "Stay Away From Bill" owes as much to Tin Pan Alley and Broadway as to more traditional jazz realms. Elsewhere, the settings mix a range of nocturnal rhythms and colors, from the light bossa-nova of "I'll Be There" to the saucy swing of "Southwind" and the torch balladry of "Good-bye My Love." The album closes with one of a handful of duets, this one with none other than Manilow himself, who offers up nicely nuanced subtleties in his pairing. --David Greenberger« less
Recording now for a couple decades, Diane Schuur's singing has matured with age. She now fills out her middle and lower registers in ways that enhance her formidable beginnings. Over the years she's moved easily from small combos to large and swinging bands. For her third release on the Concord label she revels in late night moods and matters. The album's thirteen songs were written specifically for Schuur by Barry Manilow, who also co-produced the set. It's a good match, as both Manilow and Schuur have drawn from or even immersed themselves in pop material as well as jazz. A song like "Stay Away From Bill" owes as much to Tin Pan Alley and Broadway as to more traditional jazz realms. Elsewhere, the settings mix a range of nocturnal rhythms and colors, from the light bossa-nova of "I'll Be There" to the saucy swing of "Southwind" and the torch balladry of "Good-bye My Love." The album closes with one of a handful of duets, this one with none other than Manilow himself, who offers up nicely nuanced subtleties in his pairing. --David Greenberger
"This is a fabulous CD!!! I think music like this unfortunately takes a back seat to all the other "splashy" material that bombards us today. I am not sure it will ever get its recognition due. I think many times artists like Ms. Schuur need to find other venues in which to promote their music. The mainstream tastes of today just don't seem to appreciate it.
Maybe thinking "outside of the box" on promoting music is becoming a needed requirement for many artists. Barry Manilow has a rare talent for the feel of producing music almost more than performing...........his instincts are impeccable, if you are a jazz lover, it is a must........if you sit on the fence with jazz this will convert you........the lyrics to "What is Love", I am in agreement with the previous post that it has a classic Gershwin sound that you just don't find in modern written lyrics."
"Manilow and Concord brings the best out of Deedles!"
J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 11/19/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The marriage between Concord and Schuur is truly amazing ~ if you doubt it, just listen to the latest release "Midnight", featuring songs that were composed just for "Deedles", as she is affectionately called by her friends. Jazz vocals that leave you entirely satisfied with her rendering signature style. Deedles comes up with a great guest roster Karrin Allyson, Brian McKnight and Barry Manilow (who also arranged, produced and created this wonderful album) ~ each tune takes on a beautiful and eclectic glow. Every cue has that lush velvet full sonic sound, keeps you coming back and wanting more.Deedles voice has come of age, Manilow's arrangements transports the listener to another level of her talent. You'll love "STAY AWAY FROM BILL", featuring Karrin Allyson in a fun duet ~ "I'LL BE THERE", with Brian McKnight and Schuur blending their voices with soul and then some ~ "ANYTIME", this is not the Eddie Fisher or Eddie Arnold song, but a new rendition with lyrics and melody by Manilow, as Barry and Deedles sing their way into your heart. But the highlight of this venture is "WHEN OCTOBER GOES", haunting and even mesmerizing when Schuur takes the stage and the first note comes to you, her feelings come through and you know she is singing this especially for the ones she loves, her fans...gotta love it!Total Time: 48:26 on 13 Tracks ~ Concord 2209 ~ (8/12/2003)"
Candelight & Firelight
J. Lovins | 11/15/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A great CD for a candelight dinner & cozy evening by the fireplace. Diane does Manilow's music proud & vice-versa. You won't hear *anything* like Copacabana or Mandy on this CD. Manilow has hidden it well for years, but he is a very fine jazz songwriter. Diane is not shrill on any of these songs - She sounds mighty-fine! I'm not going into song-by-song detail - but wanted to share my overall impressions of this cd."
The genius of Diane Schuur continues!
Eric Kent | USA | 02/08/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Diane Schuur is one of the best female vocalists.