Recognized as one of jazz’s pre-eminent vocalists, Grammy winner Dianne Reeves is one of the most significant singers in jazz. While her singing is steeped in tradition, her rhythmic virtuosity and improvisational ease are breathtaking. With her amazing three-octave range and virtuosic phrasings, this jazz diva consistently delivers unforgettable performances
Dianne Reeves made her name in the late 80’s, when she was discovered by Blue Note Records during a worldwide revival of interest in jazz.
Born in Detroit but raised from the age of two in Denver, Dianne was still in high school, singing with the high-school big band, when she was spotted by swing trumpeter Clark Terry at the National Association of Jazz Educators Conference in Chicago.
Terry’s encouragement and advice led her to study at the University of Colorado, where she was able to perform with him, and later to move to California and pursue music full-time.
Still studying (under vocal coach Phil. Moore), she gained her first big international exposure in 1981, touring with Sergio Mendes.
Dianne recorded her first album a year later.
‘Welcome To My Love’, co-produced by Childs and released on Pablo Alto Jazz, set the trend for the original material that helped distinguish much of Reeves’ work in later years.
But it was in 1987 that she had her biggest break, when Blue Note Records president Bruce Lundvall spotted her at an Echoes Of Ellington concert in Los Angeles, and wasted no time in setting up her first major session.
The resulting ‘Dianne Reeves’ featured George Duke, Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams, Stanley Clarke and her old friend Billy Childs, and rocketed Reeves onto the international festival circuit.
In 1995, Dianne released ‘Quiet After The Storm’, a superb world music influenced jazz record with guest contributions by saxophonist Joshua Redman, trumpeter Roy Hargrove, flautist Hubert Laws, guitarist Kevin Eubanks and percussionist Airto Moreira.
Reeves has to date won four Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for her albums In the Moment – Live In Concert (2001) – The Calling: Celebrating Sarah Vaughan (2002) – A Little Moonlight (2003) – Good Night, and Good Luck (Soundtrack 2006).
She is the only singer to have won this Grammy three consecutive times.
Dianne Reeves on November 3, 2012 at Gazarte – voutadon 32-34 – Gazi – 210 3460347