|
|
The
Divine Ms. D
By Steven Fullwood
Dianne
Reeves has been touted as this generation's premiere jazz singer, the
natural heir to the throne once occupied by such luminaries as Ella
Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and
Sarah
Vaughan-and for sound reason. Sup
with pleasure her catalog, a musical feast of incredible range and
emotional depth and you too will sing her praises. Hers is a
stunningly original palate that knows no bounds.
To date, the
Denver-native has recorded 14 albums, which includes a greatest hits
collection that highlights her indispensable contributions to jazz and
popular music for two decades. With the exception of New Mourning
(1997), which was issued by the French Blue Note label, and her
greatest hits package (2002), each of her US releases is reviewed here. Note that
Reeves' first two releases Welcome to My Love (1982) and For Every
Heart (1985), are anthologized in The Palo Alto Sessions (1985). It is
with great pleasure that I listened to and learned Dianne Reeves, and
I hope what I have written will encourage you to experience the legend
herself. You will be sated.
M
June 2002
|
|
