There are artists who come along once in a generation who are at once throwbacks to an older period, and in the same sentence forward looking. Dianne Reeves for me epitomizes that statement. She celebrates the tradition of Ella Fitzgerald and, perhaps even more closely, Sarah Vaughn, while at the same time fully embraces current trends in world music. Her stage is the world; she travels extensively.
Her voice is rich, yet ever so fragile, breaking deliciously on the the most beautiful and subtle phrases. She is in total command of her instrument and delivers not only the lyrics, but the depth of emotion that embody them. And there is never a question about what she has sung; her diction to me is impeccable!
I saw her once in concert with my wife here in Tucson three years ago, a magical night I remember to this day. She rocked Centennial Hall on the University of Arizona campus with a full display of her vocal prowess, backed by a wonderful quintet of talented musicians. Jazz music is well-served by her presence on our stages.
These two favorite songs in her repertoire represent her subtlety and silky smooth voice, on the one hand, and her marvelous swing timing on the other. She's backed in Too Close For Comfort by Gordon Goodwin's Phat Band, another favorite ensemble of mine, made up of gifted studio musicians. The lead alto in that band, Eric Marienthal, recently gave a clinic for my own high school jazz band at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
I hope you enjoy these two songs as I do!
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