One of the major voices on the jazz scene, Dianne Reeves takes her husky and tonally perfect delivery into the world of smooth jazz/R&B this time around. She uses the keyboards and programming of Robert Glaspar with Terri Lyne Carrington on a soulful take of the old Fleetwood Mac hit “Dreams” while Esperanza Spalding’s “Wild Rose” has the composer adding bass and background vocals to the rhythmic groove. Her delivery is volcanic ash thick, and melds well with Lalah Hathaway on the exotically Caribbean read of Bob Marley’s “Waiting In Vain” with Richard Bona/b and Romero Lubambo/g. Gregory Porter’s pairing on “Satiated” includes rich keyboards by George Duke, who also contributes some smooth textures on “Feels So Good (Lifted).” Well arranged with layers of keyboards and horns, she lets loose on the wordlessly sensual “Tango” and takes “Stormy Weather” to high barometric pressure. A jewel for soul/jazz fans.
Concord Records