2008-04-23
One of the great female jazz vocalists of today, Dianne Reeves was unfortunately talked into a watered down, "crossover" set of songs this time around. Just the appearance of Minnie Ripperton's excruciating "Lovin' You" ought to make listeners run for the radio dial. There's a lot here that's disappointing and this from a reviewer that's usually an easy mark for jazz vocalists. The album is saved (barely) by the last three selections, which display both Dianne's vocal excellence and a well-crafted song. Let's hope she exchanges Minnie for something closer to Miles for her next set. 04/08 MJVD J-Contemporary
LAVAY SMITH & HER RED HOT SKILLET LICKERS
MISS SMITH TO YOU
VINCENT HERRING
The Uptown Shuffle
THE PUPPETEERS
The Puppeteers
Little Charlie And Organ Grinder Swing
Skronky Tonk
JACK DEJONETTE AND BILL FRISELL
The Elephant Sleeps But Still Remembers
Yelena Eckemoff Quintet
In The Shadow Of A Cloud
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