Customer Reviews

In Tribute

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Selecting material for this album was the easy part, selecting materal that would end up on the resulting album, very difficult. Diane recorded not only what ended up as the released tracks, she recorded enough to fill a two disc set, each disc buldging at seventy-plus minutes. The cream of that crop is here, and not one track is out of place with the theme. That theme is a tribute to all her absolute favorite female singers, and that singers signature song. Diane covers these songs in her style, she does not copy these songs note for note which makes this album so refreshing.

Diane's voice is captured her at its peak. Her perfect pitch is complimented by her warm contralto. There are various styles of music arrangement ranging from full string sections to trio style to trio style with a horn section. Case in point is the opening track "Them There Eyes." This opening romp finds Diane in a fun, festive mood and it swings. The arrangement is simple. "The Man I Love" is a total turn, cinematic in it's arrangement. "Sweet Georgia Brown" is another simple arrangement making you whistle along like the Harlem Globetrotters theme song does. "Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry" is so emotional it's almost uncomfortable to listen to. Diane was single at the time of this recording and during sessions for this song, she broke up with her steady and during the end of this song, she's so involved with the lyric, she literally begins to cry. I think they got this song in one take, they'd have to in order to capture the crack in her voice toward the last verse. Try not to be moved. This is the caliber of material on this album. Each song is the perfect tribute to the person that first made it famous. In some cases, the song is an improvement over the original, but the effort here was not to outdo the original, but to compliment. The engineering of this album is excellent, the sound is so big and open, the mastering excellent.

Diane Schuur is a truly peerless singer in a class all by herself and when this magnificient collection of sublime "tributes" to vocal legends past and present was released it became as crystal clear as her wonderful high notes that another great singing legend had arrived...this lady can SING and is at her absolute peak thoughtout this stunning collection of incredibly soul-stirring and showstopping performances! "Tribute" is a totally awesome collection where Diane Schuur's incomparable vocal and emotional range are all on display to be savored and enjoyed over and over..."GUESS I'LL HANG MY TEARS OUT" and "'ROUND MIDNIGHT" are both deeply moving definitive versions that have never sounded quite as glorious as they do here with both classics taken to there ultimate with passion and vocal beauty that is truly a wonderous experience! For anyone wanting to experience the finest today in great singing this collection is definitely a must have...a timeless collection and a complete vocal masterpiece from a singer whose time is now!!! Thank you Diane Schuur

My boyfriend got this for me for Christmas a couple of years ago, and it has never lost its luster. Ms. Schuur has an amazing voice, very rich and expressive. Additionally I love the dynamic quality she brings to these songs. The instrumentalists are also excellent, and I sometimes listen for their solos as much as for her voice. If someone told me they wanted to buy one CD by a female jazz vocalist, this would probably be the one I'd reccomend.

There's even more!...A 47 (Forty-Seven) piece String Section! The best of the best Arrangers like: Johnny Mandel, Clare Fischer, and Billy May just to name a few! An almost flawless selection of songs (All remakes) in tribute to some of the best female vocalists of all-time like: Billie Holiday, Anita O'Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Dinah Washington just to name a few! A lavish booklet with picture and historical stories of every artist Diane Schuur is covering (Including how this project came about). Like ALL of Diane Schuur's albums there are no less than 3 (Three) or 4 (Four) awesome performances...Those being: "`Round Midnight", "Body And Soul", "Black Coffee", and a spine tingling version of "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye". It should be noted that this album is totally in the Pop, MOR (Middle Of The Road) and Jazz-Pop mode, so if you've never bought ANY Diane Schuur album you might not want to make this your first experience (Not that it would kill you)...Now if you've bought her (Dianne Schuur) albums before...Welcome to 7th heaven!!! Oh! I almost forgot to mention Diane Schuur has walked away with 2 (Two) or more Grammy Awards, so that should tell you something???. A big thumbs up to Andre Fischer for really showing of his production skills!

Dianne Schuur is possibly the most complete singer of the traditional jazz. Her charismatic presence and heartfelt conviction around all what she sings, make of her a true living legend.

This album is a pleasant and refreshing album, filled of superb versions of endless themes that still float in our memories, once we have deeded to take a break in our daily activities, or for all privileged people who reserve a dinner table in some of those magnificent and famous Jazz Clubs in Manhattan.

Don't hesitate just for second and decided to acquire. It will be a rewarding choice.

Diane gives the great jazz divas a run for their money with this one. Finally, remakes that sound as good or maybe even better than the original. (listen to her sing "how high the moon" and then listen to Ella, and you'll see what I mean!)

A fresh spin on some great classics and a fitting tribute. A nice jazzy way to unwind after a long day.

Diane Schuur's smooth jazz style does not do justice to standards. She should stick to doing soft rock covers and Smooth Jazz songs. Anybody who cares about Ella, Sarah, Carmen and Billie should stay way from this album.