Search - Dianne Reeves :: Grand Encounter

Today's Jazz Diva In A Tour De Force Performance

RBSProds | Deep in the heart of Texas | 07/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is quite a magnificent CD and every performance is masterful. The triple Grammy-winning Ms. Reeves is simply one of the best jazz singers of all time and she's accompanied by a squad of legends: Kenny Barron, James Moody, Phil Woods, Al Grey, Toots Thielemans, Joe Williams, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Clark Terry, etc. Whew!!! It's true, great musicians love to play behind and with great singers!!



One 'Piece De Resistance, "Cherokee", is simply a wonderfully dynamic performance of an old warhorse made new. Slipping from 3/4 to 4/4 and back again, Dianne's work is stunning. I just put the CD player on 'repeat' and let it go over and over. On the bridge "Dreams of summertime...." both passes are executed with so much ease and on the sonic arc of her voice, that one could miss the fact that they are very different, launched on different beats. And Bobby Watson throws down a sizzling killer alto solo. Speaking of killer solos, "Besame Mucho", brilliantly sung in English and Spanish, has some great harmonica solos from Toots, in a Monkish vein.



"Tenderly" is a fascinating rangy duet between the poised Ms Reeves and consummate blues belter Joe Williams, who hits, trust me, the LOWEST note ever sung on the last syllable of "Breathless....ly". Wow, Mr Williams!! My speakers barely passed that test. "Tenderly" lives up to it's title and both singers are magnificent.



"Old Country" is another winner, dished up with a big band sound and some heartfelt singing from Diane, who issues a judgement on a life and a message. The bluesy Sarah Vaughn classic "After Hours" now belongs to Dianne, and Moody's sax solo is just perfect. The very fun "Ha!" has Moody and Terry in the vocal chorus. Get this one, it's all good. You can't EVER go wrong with a Dianne Reeves CD or live performance. Five Wonderful Stars!!"

A shame to not have

RBSProds | 03/02/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album brings back what most new jazz artist lack. The warm feeling that each song was composed for this singer. It contains three generations of jazz icons that have influenced jazz as we know it. Not many artist can give you the feeling of big band yet stay fresh and true to ones self. Miss Reeves has mastered this art on this project."