Artist:Dianne Reeves
Song:Mista
Album:Bridges
Dianne Reeves has been a premiere jazz vocalist for over 25 years. But she's not as well known as lesser singers who are easier to market to mainstream music fans. She was born Oct. 23, 1956 in Detroit but grew up in Denver. By age 16 she was a featured singer in her high school jazz band. Legendary trumpeter Clark Terry saw her at a music festival and took a liking to her. She became interested in latin music and toured with Eddie Del Barrio and then began a long musical partnership with pianist Billy Childs. She attempted to go solo but it didn't work out and she toured with Sergio Mendes and then Harry Belafonte. Dianne signed with Blue Note in 1987 and has recorded for them ever since. Mista is a great song from her 1999 album Bridges. Dianne wrote the song with drummer Terri Lynn Carrington and guitarist Chris Parks and like several of her albums, it was produced by her cousin veteran producer George Duke. Billy Childs did the arrangement. I don't know if she has a new CD coming out but she did get strong reviews for her performance in the 2005 George Clooney film Good Night And Good Luck. Dianne Reeves is also an excellent live performer and I recommend you see her if she is in your area. Here's Dianne Reeves performing the Peter Gabriel song In Your Eyes in Vienna in 1999.
Hi Frank,
ReplyDeleteI have a google alert on Dianne Reeves so I can keep up on her media news and concerts and reviews. Your blog came up on one today. Have you checked Dianne's website? diannereves.com It is a beautiful website, listing all of her performances this year, her discography, and other interesting news. Maybe she will be appearing near you soon. I am interested in seeing her specifically with Russell Malone (my dear friend in jazz) and Romero Lubambo. But alas, they perform mostly in Europe. But they will be appearing with Dianne in Santa Fe, New Mexico on July 28. I might just try to fly in for that one! Dianne does have a new CD in the works that has Russell and Romero on it. So maybe her website will announce it soon! Kandie Webster in Washington State / jazzylover59
I saw Dianne at the Toronto Jazz Festival in 2000. She even did Nine, which is one of my favourite songs of hers. I first heard her in her pre Blue Note days in 1982. Everyone who has ever heard Dianne loves her but let's face facts. Norah Jones is easier to sell. We all know that's the reality of the music business. According to Allmusic, she doesn't have a new CD scheduled yet.
ReplyDeleteWow Kandie! I thought I was the only person with a Google alert on Dianne. And yes, I am flying into Sante Fe to see Dianne with R&R. Like you said, you can't catch this concert outside of Europe. I can't wait.
ReplyDeleteBev in DC