Search - Dianne Reeves :: Dianne Reeves

Mature jazz from a sophisticated soul

John Jones | Chicago IL | 07/12/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It doesn't happen often enough, but every once in a while a new jazz singer will emerge with all of the classic elements associated with the genre: stellar phrasing, authentic emotion, tasteful inflection, and expertise at selecting appropriate material. Such elements are on hand for Dianne Reeves' self-titled 1987 debut. You'd be hard-pressed to find a smoother, classier reading of the jazz chestnut "Yesterdays," and the frantically-paced "That's All" features some of the best scatting this side of Ella Fitzgerald. Especially impressive is her reading of "I Got it Bad and That Ain't Good," as Reeves lets her voice caress the lyric with a light touch. A less instinctual vocalist might have attacked the entire post-solo second bridge, but Dianne builds to a belt only when the lyrics read "crying my heart out," accenting just the right moment.This isn't to say traditionally-arranged standards is where Reeves begins and ends, however; a true master can take on a pop-flavored piece and twist, turn, and innovate until the end result is undeniably jazz, and Dianne proves her mettle on Herbie Hancock's "Harvest Time," Stevie Wonder's "Never Said (Chan's Song)," and the sweetly sentimental "Better Days." Additionally, "Sky Islands" (which Reeves co-wrote) has a multi-layered feel...part samba, part fusion, and all gorgeous.But to get the entire picture of Reeves' vocal range, look no further than the intoxicating ballad "I'm OK"...as she opens the piece, singing "the winters of my life/they've been around so long..." it's clear that we are witnessing the arrival of an artist who knows her way around a lyric. Future albums would find her taking more risks both musically and vocally, but this stunning debut is a landmark in a genre that doesn't find enough artists as classy and sophisticiated as the work they attempt. Luckily for jazz, there is Dianne Reeves."

Better Days

Dina Harbour | VAN NUYS, CA | 01/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"THIS SONG AND ALBUM IS THE BEST JAZZ CD THAT I HAVE EVER HEARD! DIANNE REEVES IS AWESOME! I HEARD THIS SONG BACK IN 1987 BOUGHT IT AND PLAYED IT UNTIL IT WOULD NOT PLAY AGAIN. NOW IT HAS POPED IN MY HEAD AGAIN AND I CAN NOT STOP SINGING IT. I COULD NOT FIND THIS CD ANYWHERE, MY HUSBAND RECOMMENNDED THAT I CHECK HERE AND IT HERE! YESSSSSSS FOR THE 30 SOMETHING AGE GROUP AND BEYOND, I THINK WILL HAVE AN ENJOYABLE TIME LISTENING TO THIS CD WITH CLOSE FAMILY AND FRIENDS:)"

Easily one of D's Best!

Dina Harbour | 06/15/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although I haven't heard all of D's work, I've heard a lot. Out of all that I've heard, this one is clearly her best. Her silky full dynamic voice epitimizes the definition of a true Soprano with range. In addition to her vocal skills, the lyrical content is top notch. If you're a fan of D's, this CD is a must have!"