The Calling
Celebrating Sarah Vaughan
Hollywood, Calif. : Blue Note, [2001]
Format: Music CD
Description: 1 sound disc : digital ; 4 3/4 in.
The ever-restless Dianne Reeves tries to do something unconventional with an utterly conventional idea -- a tribute album to Sarah Vaughan -- and ends up overdoing the whole thing, though it's not really her fault. While the virtuosic Reeves often cannot resist reaching down into her chest register for some daring, earthy, Sassy-like swoops ("Key Largo" and "If You Could See Me Now" are key examples) or a daring vocalise like "A Chamada," she mostly retains her own identity in these 11 tunes, with a bright timbre that cannot be mistaken for that of Sassy. The element that does this project in are the overblown charts for a 36-piece orchestra that sounds a lot bigger and more congested than it is. Arranger/pianist Billy Childs (spelled on two tracks by Robert Freedman) is rarely content to relax and let a groove happen; he's too busy filling every conceivable space with all kinds of swirling, convoluted ideas that compete with, rather than enhance, the singer and the tunes. The one original tune on the session, "I Remember Sarah," opens with a scat chorus, then pianist Mulgrew Miller plays the blues, and Reeves does her familiar style of autobiographical rap in song. The best moment occurs when cagey veteran Clark Terry offers some jive talking in back of Reeves on "I Hadn't Anyone 'Til You" and some deliciously sly plunger mute trumpet work, fighting the orchestra all the way. Of course, it could be said that an over the top tribute to this larger than life diva is the only appropriate thing to do, but that doesn't make this session -- recorded quickly in the old manner -- any more listenable. ~ Richard S. Ginell
Contents:
Lullaby of Birdland (4:57) -- Send in the clowns (6:01) -- Speak low (6:23) -- Obsession (7:37) -- If you could see me now (6:44) -- I remember Sarah (4:19) -- Key Largo (4:08) -- I hadn't anyone 'til you (5:39) -- Fascinating rhythm (5:23) -- Embraceable you (7:55) -- A chamada : (the call) (6:17).
UPC: 724352769421
Availability | |||
---|---|---|---|
Call Number | Location | Shelf Location | Status |
CD JAZZ Ree | Main (Downtown) | First Level, Music CD | In |
Sound recording.
Produced by George Duke for George Duke Enterprises; Corine Duke, production coordinator.
Dianne Reeves, vocals; musicians: Mulgrew Miller, piano ; Billy Childs, piano ; Reginald Veal, acoustic bass, electric bass ; Greg Hutchinson, drums ; Romero Lubambo, acoustic guitar ; Munyungo Jackson, percussion ; Steve Wilson, soprano, alto sax ; Russell Malone, acoustic guitar ; Clark Terry, trumpet ; with orchestra ; conducted by Billy Childs and Patrick Gandy ; Brent Fischer, orchestra manager.
Recorded and mixed by Erik Zobler, Sept. 9-11, 2000 at O'Henry Studio, Burbank, Calif.; additional recording and mix: LeGonks West, Los Angeles, Calif.; Chris Haynes, Marni Riley, Stefaniah McGowan, assistant engineers.
Produced by George Duke for George Duke Enterprises; Corine Duke, production coordinator.
Dianne Reeves, vocals; musicians: Mulgrew Miller, piano ; Billy Childs, piano ; Reginald Veal, acoustic bass, electric bass ; Greg Hutchinson, drums ; Romero Lubambo, acoustic guitar ; Munyungo Jackson, percussion ; Steve Wilson, soprano, alto sax ; Russell Malone, acoustic guitar ; Clark Terry, trumpet ; with orchestra ; conducted by Billy Childs and Patrick Gandy ; Brent Fischer, orchestra manager.
Recorded and mixed by Erik Zobler, Sept. 9-11, 2000 at O'Henry Studio, Burbank, Calif.; additional recording and mix: LeGonks West, Los Angeles, Calif.; Chris Haynes, Marni Riley, Stefaniah McGowan, assistant engineers.