Palo Alto Sessions

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This CD compiles music recorded for the Palo Alto Jazz label in the early years of Dianne Reeves's career, including her first album, Welcome to My Love from 1982, along with three tracks from 1985's For Every Heart and a guest appearance with the Latin band Caldera on "Ancient Source." It's the sound of a supremely talented young singer that makes the material interesting, from the R&B roots of "Welcome to My Love" to the lilting, flute-like passages of "Lullaby." Along the way there's a brilliant rendering of the standard "My Funny Valentine," highlighted by Reeves's stunning control of sustained high notes and ever-shifting inflections. The set suffers some from overproduction, with Reeves frequently providing her own backup vocals, but there's enough raw energy and talent in her performance to make this superior smooth jazz. --Stuart Broomer

Palo Alto Sessions, Music, Dianne Reeves, Jazz, Jazz Music, Jazz Vocals, Pop

The Palo Alto Sessions
Average customer rating:

I don't know who's at fault ...

Baby, she's come a long way.

a great voice

I Love It! - It's Diane live with a band that wont quit!

The Palo Alto Sessions
Dianne Reeves
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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That Day...

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ASIN: B000005H2G
Release Date: 1996-04-02

Ancient Source
My Funny Valentine
Better Days
Mi Vida
Hesitations
Welcome To My Love
Perfect Love
Lullaby
Passageway
Siren Serenade
Sitting In Limbo
Be My Husband
Separate Vacations

Amazon.com

This CD compiles music recorded for the Palo Alto Jazz label in the early years of Dianne Reeves's career, including her first album, Welcome to My Love from 1982, along with three tracks from 1985's For Every Heart and a guest appearance with the Latin band Caldera on "Ancient Source." It's the sound of a supremely talented young singer that makes the material interesting, from the R&B roots of "Welcome to My Love" to the lilting, flute-like passages of "Lullaby." Along the way there's a brilliant rendering of the standard "My Funny Valentine," highlighted by Reeves's stunning control of sustained high notes and ever-shifting inflections. The set suffers some from overproduction, with Reeves frequently providing her own backup vocals, but there's enough raw energy and talent in her performance to make this superior smooth jazz. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

I don't know who's at fault ..........2006-01-03

Whether it's the producers, the record companies, or the artists themselves, someone has established the pattern of trying to milk every dollar they can get out of artist's work. This is often accomplished via the maniacal compilation of substandard material and early works that just don't seem to cut it. To understand what I'm trying to communicate, look no further than the countless number of compilations of Santana's early work that include tracks like "Fried Neckbones and Home Fries".

Unfortunately, this work is not a true representation of the remarkable talent of this graceful Jazz diva. All of the musicians as well as the songstress put in a grand performance here. The downfall of this release lies in the musical compositions themselves. It seems apparent that most if not all of the material was recorded back in the JAZZ/ROCK/LATIN fusion era. There seems to have been a collaboration of artists during this period which was centered around (influenced by) the venerable Ramsey Lewis. These were namely Earth, Wind & Fire, The Emotions, Caldera, George Duke (perhaps) and Dianne Reeves herself.

Never let it be said that I don't like "tastefully done" fusion. I personally think that the FUSION era was the most creative period in popular music. Particularly when Hot Latin or Brazillian Samba is thrown into the mix. However, the rue for the "Fusion Gumbo" failed to take as far as the material here is concerned. With the exception of track 1, "Ancient Source", the CD is deviod of any memorable melodies. Please believe me when I tell you that you will never find yourself humming or singing any of this stuff in the shower or during your morning commute to work.

To summarize there is great musicianship and arranging but poor composition. A total lack of thematic material, meandering and pointless melodies makes this a poor choice given the wealth of the artists other materials that are available for purchase.

Baby, she's come a long way........2001-01-18

As a big fan of Dianne Reeves recent work, and a frequent visitor to her live shows, I thought it would be interesting to listen to some of her earlier recordings. My, how she's grown and improved. Dianne's voice and style in Palo Alto Session are instantly recognizable, but with only a shadow of the control and subtlety she now possesses. And then there's her choice of material and back-up musicians: she's maybe the best in the business now, but listening to the cheezy fusion-flavored accompaniment on this CD is almost painful. Palo Alto Sessions is a fascinating snapshot of a great singer in her formative years, but if you want to hear Dianne Reeves at her best, get "That Day".

a great voice.......2000-01-19

she has a strong quality in her voice.so much richness and depth.better days,welcome to my love, and the other great tracks showcase a powerful talent that deserves more respect.this is very essential.

I Love It! - It's Diane live with a band that wont quit!.......1998-09-13

Diane Reeve's fan or not you'll love this disk full of Groove-lockin' tracks that showcase Reeve's God given talent for mixin'just the right combination of Jazz and R&B. Band features star keyboardist Eddie Delbario who's Latin flavor you taste on every track. I just picked this CD up in July of '98, and I tell ya' I enjoyed it like it was written, produced and recorded yesterday! Give it try. . . makes and execellent addition to music collection.

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