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
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