DIANE SCHUUR - Deedles (1984) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1    The Very Thought Of You 4'47
Written-By – Ray Noble
2    New York State Of Mind 5'19
Saxophone [Tenor] – Stan Getz
Written-By – Billy Joel
3    Teach Me Tonight 3'54
Written-By – Gene DePaul, Sammy Cahn
4    I'm Beginning To See The Light 2'35
Written-By – Don George, Duke Ellington, Harry James, Johnny Hodges
5    I'll Close My Eyes 4'19
Written-By – B.Reid, B.Kaye
6    Reverend Lee 4'13
Synthesizer [Gs-2] – Dave Grusin
Written-By – Eugene McDaniels
7    I'm Just Foolin' Myself 3'21
Saxophone [Tenor] – Stan Getz
Written-By – Jack Lawrence, Peter Tinturin
8    Rock Me On The Water 4'58
Acoustic Guitar, Guitar [Electric] – Steve Khan
Drums [Simmons] – Buddy Williams
Written-By – Jackson Browne
9    Can't Stop A Woman In Love 4'42
Drums [Simmons] – Buddy Williams
Guitar [Electric Solo] – Steve Khan
Written-By – Barbara Wyrick, Richard Ripani
10    Amazing Grace 3'18
Traditional
Piano [Acoustic] – Diane Schuur

DIANE SCHUUR - Schuur Thing (1985) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Needle In A Haystack    3:14
2    By Design    3:54
3    Love Dance    5:35
4    Love You Back    3:57
5    Someday We'll All Be Free    4:01
6    It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing    3:43
7    American Wedding Song    4:34
8    Take Me To The River    5:17
9    Make A Plan    3:37
10    No Time For True Love    4:30
11    Sure Thing    3:18
featuring :
Dave Grusin, Stan Getz, Lee Ritenour,
Abraham Laboriel, Carlos Vega, Chuck Domanico,
Larry Williams, Paulinho Da Costa, Randy Goodrum,
with special guest José Feliciano.

DIANE SCHUUR - Timeless (1986) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Diane Schuur has always enjoyed singing standards, but Timeless, her third recording, was her first full-length set to be continually interesting to jazz listeners. With arrangements by Billy May, Johnny Mandel, Patrick Williams and Jeremy Lubbock, Schuur is backed by a large string orchestra and a big band. Among the guest soloists are tenor saxophonist Stan Getz (on "How Long Has This Been Going On" and "A Time For Love"), trombonist Bill Watrous, vibraphonist Larry Bunker and trumpeter Warren Luening. Schuur, who does not play any piano on the album, sounds in excellent voice, particularly during the two Getz tracks and on such tunes as "Easy To Love," "How About Me" and "Please Send Me Someone To Love." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     How Long Has This Been Going On? 4'25
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Arranged By – Johnny Mandel
Tenor Saxophone [Solo] – Stan Getz
2     Easy to Love 2'57
Cole Porter
Arranged By – Billy May
3     Come Rain or Come Shine 4'57
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
Arranged By – Pat Williams
4     How About Me? 4'30
Irving Berlin
Arranged By – Jeremy Lubbock
Piano [Solo] – Dave Grusin
5     Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me 3'41
Duke Ellington / Bob Russell
Arranged By – Billy May
Trombone [Solo] – Bill Watrous
6     A Time for Love 5'43
Johnny Mandel / Paul Francis Webster
Arranged By – Jeremy Lubbock
Tenor Saxophone [Solo] – Stan Getz
7     I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me 3'31
Clarence Gaskill / Jimmy McHugh
Arranged By – Billy May
8     Please Send Me Someone to Love 2'50
Percy Mayfield
Arranged By – Pat Williams
Trumpet [Solo] – Warren Luening
9     Impossible 4'51
Steve Allen
Arranged By – Johnny Mandel
Vibraphone [Solo] – Larry Bunker
10     Travellin' Blues 3'56
Dave Brubeck / Iola Brubeck
Arranged By – Dave Grusin
Tenor Saxophone [Solo] – Pete Christlieb
11     Too Late Now 4'13
Burton Lane / Alan Jay Lerner
Arranged By – Johnny Mandel
Tenor Saxophone [Solo] – Stan Getz
12     Don't Like Goodbyes 3'55
Harold Arlen / Truman Capote
Arranged By – Jeremy Lubbock
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Buell Neidlinger, Margaret Storer
Bass – Chuck Berghoffer, Chuck Domanico
Cello – Doug Davis, Fred Seykora, Larry Corbett, Ray Kelley
Contractor [Orchestra] – Marty Berman
Drums – Steve Schaeffer
Guitar – Lee Ritenour
Harp – Ann Stockton
Keyboards – Dave Grusin, Mike Lang, Randy Kerber
Saxophone – Bill Perkins, Gary Herbig, Jack Nimitz, Pete Christlieb, Tom Scott
Trombone – Bill Reichenbach, Bill Watrous, Charlie Loper
Trombone, Tuba – Tommy Johnson
Trumpet – Chuck Findley, Gary Grant, Jerry Hey, Warren Luening
Viola – Alan DeVeritch, Allan Harshman, Marilyn Baker, Pamela Goldsmith
Violin – Arnold Belnick, Ossa Drori, Bruce Dukov, Glen Adler, Gordon Marron, Haim Shtrum, Henry Ferber, Isabelle Daskoff, Kathleen Lenski, Mari Tsumura-Botnick, Marshall Sosson, Ralph Morrison, Reg Hill, Shari Zippert, Sheldon Sanov
Violin, Concertmaster – Gerry Vinci

DIANE SCHUUR - Diane Schuur & the Count Basie Orchestra (1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD features a logical combination: singer Diane Schuur with the Count Basie big band. In what would be longtime rhythm guitarist Freddie Green's final performance, Schuur and the Basie ghost band (under the direction of Frank Foster) perform material that includes her standards (such as "Deedles' Blues" and "Climbing Higher Mountains"), Dave Brubeck's "Travlin' Blues" and the Joe Williams-associated "Everyday I Have The Blues." Unfortunately, the Basie band is mostly used in accompaniment without any significant solos, but Schuur sounds quite comfortable in this format and her voice is in prime form. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Deedle's Blues 3:27
Written-By – Morgan Ames
2    Caught A Touch Of Your Love 3:03
Written-By – C. Bikhardt, J. Keller, J. Best
3    Travelin' Light 4:16
Written-By – Jimmy Mundy, Johnny Mercer, James Young
4    I Just Found Out About Love 2:35
Written-By – Harold Adamson, Jimmy McHugh
5    Travelin' Blues 4:05
Written-By – Dave Brubeck, Iola Brubeck
6    I Loves You Porgy 3:04
Written-By – DuBose Heyward, George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
7    You Can Have It 3:20
Written-By – Frank Foster, Morgan Ames
8    Only You 4:38
Written-By – Bob Florence, Morgan Ames
9    Everyday 3:03
Written-By – Peter Chatman
10    We'll Be Together Again 4:03
Written-By – Carl Fischer, Frankie Laine
11    Until I Met You 2:47
Written-By – Donald Wolf, Freddie Green
12    Climbing Higher Mountains 2:09
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Danny House, Danny Turner
Baritone Saxophone – John Williams
Bass – Lynn Seaton
Drums – Dennis Mackrel
Guitar – Freddie Green
Leader, Tenor Saxophone – Frank Foster
Orchestra – Count Basie Orchestra
Piano – Donald T. Carson
Tenor Saxophone – Eric Dixon, Kenny Hing
Trombone – Bill Hughes, Clarence Banks, Dennis Wilson, Mel Wanzo
Trumpet – Bob Ojeda, Byron Stripling, Melton Mustafa, Sonny Cohn

DIANE SCHUUR - Talkin' 'Bout You (1988) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Talkin' 'Bout You 4'52
Arranged By [Vocals] – Edwin Hawkins, Steven Miller
Baritone Saxophone – Ronnie Cuber
Mixed By – Jim Boyer
Mixed By [Assistant] – Josiah Gluck
Organ [Hammond] – Richard Tee
Tambourine – Steve Gadd
Vocals – Edwin Hawkins Singers
Written-By – Ray Charles
2    Funny (But I Still Love You) 3'52
Written-By – Ray Charles
3    Louisiana Sunday Afternoon 4'49
Alto Saxophone – Tom Scott
Electric Guitar – Steve Khan
Written-By – Franne Golde, Peter Ivers
4    For Your Love 3'42
Arranged By – Richard Tee
Arranged By [Strings] – Mitchel Forman
Arranged By, Arranged By [Strings] – Steven Miller
Mixed By – Josiah Gluck
Tenor Saxophone – Tom Scott
Written-By – Ed Townsend
5    Hearts Take Time 3'44
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar – Steve Khan
Written-By – Janis Ian, Kye Fleming
6    Somethin' Real 4'55
Organ – Richard Tee
Tenor Saxophone – Tom Scott
Written-By – Gene McDaniels
7    Hard Drivin' Mama II 4'05
Written-By – Helen Humes, Steven Miller
8    Nothing In The World (Can Make Me Love You More Than I Do) 3'38
Electric Piano – Mitchel Forman
Written-By – Belford Hendricks, Brook Benton, Clyde Otis
9    Ain't That Love 3'19
Arranged By [Vocals] – Edwin Hawkins, Steven Miller
Mixed By – Jim Boyer
Mixed By [Assistant] – Josiah Gluck
Tambourine – Steve Gadd
Tenor Saxophone – Lenny Pickett
Vocals – Edwin Hawkins Singers
Written-By – Ray Charles
10    Life Goes On 3'11
Mixed By – Josiah Gluck
Piano – Dave Grusin
Written-By – Dave Schuur, Diane Schuur
11    Cry Me A River 4'45
Arranged By – Richard Tee, Steven Miller
Written-By – Arthur Hamilton

DIANE SCHUUR - Pure Schuur (1991) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Diane Schuur has always been one of the world's greatest modern jazz voices, and her purity on this collection makes for her most artistic yet accessible statement to date. She may be broadening her scope to include pop, but she's also sure to pay homage to her jazzy upbringing, most notably on her stunning renditions of "Unforgettable" (the same year Natalie Cole triumphed with the song) and "Deed I Do," a sassy big-band duet with the late Joe Williams. The magic of Pure Schuur lies in Schuur's ability to pick and interpret such a wide range of songs with so many different types of arrangements. While producer Andre Fischer seems to have a grand old time backing Deedles with sporty horn sections and synthesized sounds, the album is most effective with minimal instrumentation, as on the magnificent "You Don't Remember Me" and "We Can Only Try." As with Frank Sinatra and the like, Schuur is blessed with good-to-great songs, smart arrangers, and stellar productions, but it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that...voice. Schuur's is clear, rich, and powerful, mixing fun and romance as only a jazz legend in the making can Jonathan Widran  

Tracklist :
1    Nobody Does Me 5'10
Arranged By, Sequenced By [Programmed] – Andre Fischer, Brad Cole
Bass – Neil Stubenhaus
Drums – Andre Fischer
Keyboards – Diane Schuur
Written-By – Rod Temperton
2    All Caught Up In Love 4'54
Arranged By – Andre Fischer, Marc Hugenberger
Arranged By [Strings], Concertmaster – Bruce Dukov
Backing Vocals – Denise DeCaro, Lynn Davis, Maxi Anderson
French Horn – Art Mawby, Dave Duke*, Marni Robinson*, Dick Perissi
Keyboards – Marc Hugenberger
Saxophone – Joel C. Peskin
Sequenced By [Programming] – Marc Hugenberger
Written-By – Marvin Hamlisch, Siedah Garrett
3    Deed I Do 2'19
Arranged By, Conductor – Bill Holman
Bass – Jim Hughart
Drums – Harold Jones
Guitar – Grant Geissman
Piano – Tom Garvin
Saxophone – Ernie Fields, Fred Jackson*, Jack Nimitz, Joel C. Peskin*
Trombone – Charles Loper, Dick "Slide" Hyde*, Garnett Brown, Maurice Spears
Trumpet – Frank Szabo, Nolan Smith, Oscar Brashear, Steve Huffsteter
Vocals – Diane Schuur, Joe Williams
Written-By – Fred Rose, Walter Hirsch
4    What A Difference A Day Makes 4'54
Arranged By [Strings] – Richard Evans
Bass – Neil Stubenhaus
Concertmaster – Bruce Dukov
Drums – Carlos Vega
French Horn – Art Mawby, Dave Duke, Marni Robinson, Dick Perissi
Percussion – Andre Fischer
Piano [Acoustic] – David Benoit
Trumpet – Sal Marquez
Written-By – Maria Grever, Stanley Adams
5    Touch 6'10
Acoustic Guitar [L-5] – Dean Parks
Arranged By – Andre Fischer, Larry Steelman
Backing Vocals – Denise Decaro, Lynn Davis
Flugelhorn – Chuck FInley*, Gary Grant
Percussion – Andre Fischer
Sequenced By [Keyboard Programming] – Larry Steelman
Trombone – Charles Loper
Written-By – David Lawrence, Faye Greenberg, Steve Lane
6    Baby You Got What It Takes 4'32
Alto Saxophone – Larry Williams
Arranged By – Andre Fischer, Richard Evans
Arranged By [Horns] – Richard Evans
Baritone Saxophone – Kim Hutchcroft
Bass – Neil Stubenhaus
Drums – Carlos Vega
Organ [Synthesized] – Michael Ruff
Piano [Acoustic] – David Benoit
Tenor Saxophone – Dan Higgins
Trombone – Charles Loper
Trumpet – Gary Grant
Trumpet [2nd] – Chuck FInley
Vocals – Bobby Womack, Diane Schuur
Written-By – Berry Gordy, Gwendolyn Fequa*, Roquel Davis
7    Unforgettable 3'56
Arranged By – Andre Fischer, Richard Evans
Arranged By [Strings] – Richard Evans
Bass – Neil Stubenhaus
Concertmaster – Bruce Dukov
Drums – Carlos Vega
French Horn – Art Mawby, Dave Duke, Marni Robinson, Dick Perissi
Piano [Acoustic] – David Benoit
Saxophone – Joel C. Peskin
Written-By – Irving Gordon
8    I Could Get Used To This 4'54
Acoustic Guitar, Horn [Synthesized] – Dean Parks
Arranged By – Andre Fischer, Larry Steelman
Backing Vocals – Denise DeCaro, Maxie Anderson
Sequenced By [Programming], Keyboards – Larry Steelman
Written-By – Ellen Silverstein
9    You Don't Remember Me 3'16
Acoustic Guitar – Dean Parks
Arranged By – Dick WInzeler, Marc Hugenberger
Keyboards – Marc Hugenberger
Written-By – Dick WInzeler, Steve Lane
10    Hold Out 4'25
Arranged By – Andre Fischer, Marc Hugenberger
Backing Vocals – Denise DeCaro, Lynn Davis, Maxie Anderson
Drums – Andre Fischer
Saxophone – Joel C. Peskin
Sequenced By [Programming], Keyboards – Marc Hugenberger
Written-By – Vonda Shepard
11    We Can Only Try 3'15
Arranged By – Diane Schuur
Arranged By [Strings] – Richard Evans
Bass – Neil Stubenhaus
Concertmaster – Bruce Dukov
Drums – Carlos Vega
Piano [Acoustic] – Diane Schuur
Written-By – Carroll Coates, Peter Daniels

DIANE SCHUUR - In Tribute (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 On this well-intentioned set, Diane Schuur sings 13 standards that she individually dedicated to 12 singers: Billie Holiday (who is saluted with two songs), Helen Morgan, Anita O'Day, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald, Libby Holman, Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington, Ivie Anderson, Nancy Wilson and Mabel Mercer. In most cases, the arrangements for the huge string orchestra (contributed by Billy May, Johnny Mandel, Jeremy Lubbock, Clare Fischer or Alan Broadbent) weigh down the music a bit, and none of Schuur's renditions quite reach the heights of her role models. Still, Diane Schuur's voice is quite attractive, and taken on its own merit, this sincere CD (which has an informative 40-page booklet) is generally enjoyable. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Them There Eyes 3:46
Arranged By – Alan Broadbent
Written-By – Doris Tauber, Maceo Pinkard, William Tracy
2    The Man I Love 4:43
Arranged By – Clare Fischer
Lyrics By – Ira Gershwin
Music By – George Gershwin
3    God Bless The Child 4:13
Arranged By, Producer [Associate] – Johnny Mandel
Lyrics By – Billie Holiday
Music By – Arthur Herzog, Jr.
4    Sweet Georgia Brown 3:01
Arranged By – Billy May
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Don Menza
Written-By – Ben Bernie, Kenneth Casey, Maceo Pinkard
5    Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry 4:59
Arranged By – Jeremy Lubbock
Lyrics By – Sammy Cahn
Music By – Jules Styne
6    Round Midnight 6:35
Arranged By – Clare Fischer
Lyrics By – Bernie Hanighen
Music By – Cootie Williams, Thelonious Monk
7    How High The Moon 3:05
Arranged By – Alan Broadbent
Lyrics By – Nancy Hamilton
Music By – Morgan Lewis
8    Body And Soul 5:01
Arranged By, Producer [Associate] – Johnny Mandel
Lyrics By – Edward Heyman, Frank Eyton, Robert Sour
Music By – John Green
9    Black Coffee 3:15
Arranged By – Diane Schuur
Bass – Chuck Domanico
Drums – Joe LaBarbera
Piano – Diane Schuur
Written-By – Francis J. Burke, Paul Francis Webster
10    Love For Sale 3:24
Arranged By – Billy May
Written-By – Cole Porter
11    Sophisticated Lady 3:46
Arranged By – Diane Schuur
Bass – Chuck Domanico
Drums – Joe LaBarbera
Lyrics By – Irving Mills, Mitchell Parrish
Music By – Duke Ellington
Piano – Diane Schuur
12    The Best Is Yet To Come 3:41
Arranged By – Alan Broadbent
Lyrics By – Carolyn Leigh
Music By – Cy Coleman
13    Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye 7:06
Arranged By – Jeremy Lubbock
Written-By – Cole Porter
All Credits :

DIANE SCHUUR - Love Songs (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The jazz content on this CD from singer Diane Schuur is rather slight, but this is actually one of her finest recordings. Schuur (who has a lovely voice) sings straightforward versions of ten veteran ballads while accompanied by one of two string orchestras. Tom Scott on reeds and trumpeter Jack Sheldon have short spots, but this is very much Schuur's show. She really excels in the restrained setting, making this a superior middle-of-the-road pop recording. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    When I Fall In Love 4'16
Arranged By – Jorge Callandrelli
Lyrics By – Edward Heyman
Music By – Victor Young
Soloist [Tenor Sax] – Pete Christlieb
2    Speak Low (From The Musical Production "One Touch Of Venus") 5'11
Lyrics By – Ogden Nash
Music By – Harry Warren, Kurt Weill
Soloist [Guitar] – Dori Caymmi
Soloist [Tenor Sax] – Tom Scott
Strings – Tom Scott
3    I Thought About You 3'52
Lyrics By – Johnny Mercer
Music By – Jimmy Van Heusen
Soloist [All Saxes] – Tom Scott
Soloist [Flute] – Hubert Laws
4    Prelude To A Kiss 4'55
Arranged By – Roger Kellaway
Lyrics By – Irving Gordon, Irving Mills
Music By – Duke Ellington
Soloist [Violin] – Gerry Vinci
5    Our Love Is Here To Stay 3'58
Lyrics By – Ira Gershwin
Music By – George Gershwin
6    You'll See 4'22
Music By, Lyrics By – Carroll Coates
Soloist [Guitar] – Eric Gale
Soloist [Soprano Sax] – Tom Scott
7    September In The Rain 5'05
Written-By – Al Dubin, Harry Warren
8    The More I See You 4'29
Lyrics By – Mac Gordon
Music By – Harry Warren
Soloist [Tenor & Alto Sax] – Tom Scott
9    Crazy 3'55
Written-By – Willie Nelson
10    My One And Only Love 4'18
Lyrics By – Robert Mellin
Music By – Guy Wood
11    Here's That Rainy Day 4'33
Lyrics By – Johnny Burke
Music By – Jimmy Van Heusen
Soloist [Harmonica] – Toots Thielemans
Credits :
Arranged By – Jeremy Lubbock (pistas: 5, 10), Tom Scott (pistas: 2, 3, 6, 8, 11)
Arranged By, Conductor – Mort Lindsey (pistas: 7, 9)
Bass – Charles Berghofer* (pistas: 7, 9), Chuck Domanico (pistas: 1 to 6, 8, 10, 11)
Bass [Orchestral] – Bruce Morgenthaler (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Sue Ranney (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10)
Cello – David Shamban (pistas: 7, 9), Larry Corbett (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Raphael (Ray) Kramer (pistas: 7, 9), Ray Kelley (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Suzie Katayama (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10)
Cello [1st] – Fred Seykora (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10)
Concertmaster – Gerry Vinci (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10)
Contractor – Frank Capp (pistas: 7, 9)
Drums – Ralph Humphries* (pistas: 7, 9), Will Kennedy (pistas: 1 to 6, 8, 10, 11)
French Horn – Richard Perissi (pistas: 7, 9), Richard Todd (pistas: 7, 9), Vincent De Rosa (pistas: 7, 9)
Guitar – John Pisano (pistas: 7, 9)
Oboe – Earle Dumler
Piano – Roger Kellaway (pistas: 1 to 6, 8, 10, 11), Tom Ranier (pistas: 7, 9)
Saxophone – Dave Boruff (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Ron Langinger (pistas: 7, 9)
Trombone – Bill Watrous (pistas: 7, 9), Chauncey Welsch (pistas: 7, 9)
Trumpet – Jack Sheldon (pistas: 7, 9), Warren Luening (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10)
Tuba – Jim Self (pistas: 7, 9)
Viola – Harry Shirinian (pistas: 7, 9), Kenneth Burward Hoy (pistas: 7, 9), Mike Nowak (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Sam Boghossian* (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10)
Violin – Asa Drori (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Brian Leonard (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Bruce Dukov (pistas: 7, 9), Clayton Haslop (pistas: 7, 9), Don Palmer (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Gordon Marron (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Henry Ferber (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Jay Rosen (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Karen Jones (pistas: 7, 9), Kathleen Lenski (pistas: 7, 9), Mari Tsumura (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Milran Kojian* (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Natalie Leggett (pistas: 7, 9), Razdan Kuyumjian (pistas: 7, 9), Bob Sushel (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Ron Clark (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Ron Folsom (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Ronald Folsom (pistas: 7, 9), Russ Canter (pistas: 7, 9), Tamsen Beseke (pistas: 7, 9)
Violin, Viola – Jimbo Ross (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10), Marilyn Baker (pistas: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 10)

DIANE SCHUUR | B. B. KING - Heart to Heart (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

B.B. King is more than just one of the greatest masters of electric blues guitar; he is also an extraordinarily gifted singer. His talents on his instrument are so great that they tend to eclipse his soulful and sophisticated singing voice, but any who might possibly have doubted his ability will do so no more upon hearing Heart to Heart. On this 1994 release, he joins pop-jazz balladeer Diane Schuur for ten surprising tracks. It is a very moody album, with the overall vibe being mainly of the drown-your-broken-heart-in-gin variety. Some of the string and synth arrangements come off as a little unnecessary, as the music is ably framed by piano, guitar, bass, and drums. However, producer Phil Ramone should be credited for minimizing the schmaltzy moments on Heart to Heart as much as possible, as the music is already treading the fine line between sentiment and drivel. The fine vocal performances by Schuur and King carry much of the music, but drummer Vinnie Colaiuta does the rest. Take, for example, "It Had to Be You." With Doug Katsaros' synth prominently displayed and with the band limping through a Vegas-style funk groove, the drummer's extreme sensitivity and chops enliven the track and not only make it listenable, but one of the high points of the record. Fans of King's blues work may be very surprised by how effectively he slips into the role of balladeer and pop interpreter. To be honest, he does it far more convincingly than Schuur. Daniel Gioffre
Tracklist :
1    No One Ever Tells You 4'57
Written-By – Carroll Coates, Hub Atwood
2    I Can't Stop Loving You 4'28
Written-By – Don Gibson
3    You Don't Know Me 3'54
Written-By – Cindy Walker, Eddy Arnold
4    It Had To Be You 3'17
Written-By – Gus Kahn, Isham Jones
5    I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket 3'33
Written-By – Irving Berlin
6    Glory Of Love 3'50
Written-By – William Hill
7    Try A Little Tenderness 4'28
Written-By – Harry Woods, Jimmy Campbell, Reginald Connelly
8    Spirit In The Dark 5'01
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
9    Freedom 4'44
Written-By – Lotti Golden, Tommy Faragher
10    At Last 5'13
Written-By – Harry Warren, Mack Gordon
Credits :
Bass – Chuck Berghofer
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Guitar – Paul Viapiano
Piano – Diane Schuur (pistas: 1, 4), Randy Waldman
Soloist, Guitar – B.B. King
Vocals – B.B. King, Diane Schuur

DIANE SCHUUR - Love Walked In (1996) APE (image+.cue), lossless

This set of ten concise standards (which totals in at around 36 minutes) finds Diane Schuur singing in prime form. The interpretations are straightforward, without much improvising, although Schuur is quite soulful, showing the influence of late-period Dinah Washington (whose hit "Blue Gardenia" she revives). The excess of Schuur's early years is gone, and in its place is a warm, contented voice that sounds best on such ballads as "Say It Isn't So" and "How Deep Is the Ocean," as well as the swingers "Love Walked In" and "You're a Sweetheart." There are occasional short solos for trumpeter Jack Sheldon, trombonist Andy Martin and the tenor of Pete Christlieb, but this is very much Schuur's show. A fine effort. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Love Walked In     2:14
 George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
2    Time After Time     3:20
 Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
3    Say It Isn't So    4:04
 Irving Berlin
4    Blue Gardenia     3:05
 Lester Lee / Bob Russell
5    Never Let Me Go     4:50
 Ray Evans / Jay Livingston
6    Nothing Ever Changes My Love For You     3:51
 Marvin Fisher / Jack Segal
7    Sunday Kind Of Love     4:00
 Barbara Belle / Anita Leonard / Louis Prima / Stan Rhodes
8    How Deep Is The Ocean    3:36
 Irving Berlin
9    You're A Sweetheart    2:37
 Harold Adamson / Jimmy McHugh
10    I Wanna Be Loved    4:36
 Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Billy Rose
Credits :
Bass – John Patitucci
Concertmaster – Assa Drori
Drums – John Guerin
French Horn – Richard Todd
Guitar – Philip Upchurch
Piano – Michael Wofford
Saxophone – Gary Foster, Pete Christlieb
Trombone – Andrew Martin
Trumpet – Jack Sheldon, Wayne Bergeron
Tuba – John T. Johnson

DIANE SCHUUR - Blues for Schuur (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Diane Schuur is in prime voice throughout this swinging date. Backed by an 11-piece group arranged by Greg Adams, Schuur emphasizes the blues feeling on a variety of mostly older but fresh material, including "Stormy Monday," "Save Your Love for Me," "When Did You Leave Heaven" and four Charles Brown songs. There are occasional solos from the backup crew (most notably guitarist David T. Walker and an uncredited altoist on "Save Your Love for Me" that might be Gary Herbig), but the emphasis is on Schuur's voice. An infectious outing from the talented singer. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     I'm Not Ashamed to Sing the Blues 6:26
Robert A. Johnson / Sam Ray Mosley
2     When Did You Leave Heaven? 4:16
Charles Brown / Stan Lewis
3     Stormy Monday Blues 3:04
Bob Crowder / Billy Eckstine / Earl Hines
4     These Blues 4:41
Charles Brown / Jimmie Dale Gilmore
5     Moonlight and Shadows 4:23
Charles Brown
6     Alright, Okay, You Win 3:07
Mayme Watts / Sidney Wyche
7     Who Will the Next Fool Be? 2:29
Charlie Rich
8     Save Your Love for Me 5:04
Buddy Johnson / Woodrow "Buddy" Johnson
9     Someone to Love 6:05
Charles Brown
10     Toodle Loo on Down 2:42
Rodney Sturgis / Clarence Williams
11     You've Got to Hurt Before You Heal 4:57
Larry Addison
12     I Want to Go Home 3:18
Charles Brown
Credits :
Arranged By – Greg Adams
Bass – Melvin Davis
Drums – Harvey Mason
Guitar – David T. Walker
Piano, Organ – Jai Winding
Saxophone – Gary Herbig, Johnnie Bamont, Larry Williams
Trombone – Matt Finders, Nick Lane
Trumpet – Chuck Findley, Greg Adams

DIANE SCHUUR - Music Is My Life (1999) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

While most jazz singers probably do not improvise enough, in the case of Diane Schuur, the less she gets away from the melody the better. The reason is obvious: Schuur has a beautiful voice but she rarely seems to know what to do with it! Her improvising can be screechy and erratic. Fortunately, Schuur mostly sticks to the themes on this strong release. Utilizing a variety of top jazz musicians, including pianist Alan Broadbent (Schuur plays piano herself on two songs) and tenor saxophonist Nino Tempo (who always emulates Stan Getz), Schuur mostly uplifts standards on her colorful outing. She goes a bit over the top with her singing on "Invitation" but her versions of "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," "Keepin' Out of Mischief Now" and "If You Could See Me Now" are quite lovely, and she takes "Over the Rainbow" as a haunting, unaccompanied vocal. This is one of her better releases and an excellent example of what her live shows were like during 1998-1999. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Invitation 8'01
Bronislaw Kaper
2     You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To 3'11
Cole Porter
3     That Old Devil Called Love 4'36
Doris Fisher / Allan Roberts
4     Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered 9'06
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
5     Keepin' Out of Mischief Now 3'12
Andy Razaf / Fats Waller
6     Good Mornig Heartache 5'18
Ervin Drake / Dan Fisher
7     I Only Have Eyes for You 3'56
Al Dubin / Harry Warren
8     Nardis 5'43
Miles Davis
9     Music Is My Life 4'10
Carroll Coates
10     If You Could See Me Now 6'15
Tadd Dameron / Carl Sigman
11     Over the Rainbow 3'19
Harold Arlen / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
Credits :
Arranged By – Diane Schuur (pistas: 1, 8, 10, 11), Shane Keister (pistas: 2 to 7, 9)
Bass – Chuck Berghofer (pistas: 2 to 7, 9), Roger Hines (pistas: 1, 8, 10)
Drums – David Gibson (2) (pistas: 1, 8, 10), John Guerin (pistas: 5 to 7, 9), Lawrence Marable (pistas: 2 to 4)
Guitar – Dean Parks (pistas: 5 to 7, 9)
Piano – Alan Broadbent (pistas: 2 to 7, 10)
Saxophone [Tenor] – Nino Tempo (pistas: 2 to 4, 6, 7, 9)
Vibraphone – Emil Richards (pistas: 2 to 4, 6)
Vocals – Diane Schuur

DIANE SCHUUR - Friends For Schuur (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Diane Schuur, one of the greatest entertainers in the world, makes her Concord Jazz debut with Friends for Schuur and it is remarkable. Her multifaceted vocal artistry is featured in great company on 11 sensational songs including two "live" concerts that feature Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder. There is even a digitally reintroduced version of "Easy Living," featuring the great Stan Getz. Diane Schuur is regal and she's soulful, passionate, and playful and her avid listeners know immediately that her voice has all the right qualities: technique, range, and adaptability to pop, jazz, gospel, and blues. "I'd Fly" is a definite smooth jazz hit. She sings its sexy, but beautifully contoured melody, romantic lyrics with such yearning and passion that this late-night romantic ballad should land solidly on the charts. Her duet with Stevie Wonder on "Finally" is prime. Her "live" duet with Ray Charles on "It Had to Be You" is packed full of soul, and all the while, you know you're in the middle of something amazing. The great songwriters Alan Bergman and Dave Grusin place their inimitable stamp on the essential "It Might Be You" (Theme From "Tootsie") and with Schuur's heartfelt vocals, it clearly remains one of the best songs of the 20th century. Friends for Schuur brings you the new first lady of jazz at the height of her award-winning career. With it, Diane Schuur becomes the consummate entertainer whose dreams are forever intertwined with the greatest names in jazz and contemporary music. Paula Edelstein  
Tracklist :
1    Easy Living 4:24
Acoustic Bass – Charles Berghofer
Arranged By – Randy Waldman
Drums – Gregg Field
Featuring – Stan Getz
Guitar – Michael Landau
Piano – Alan Broadbent
Synthesizer – Randy Waldman
Written-By – Leo Robin, Ralph Rainger
2    I'd Fly 5:07
Acoustic Bass – James Hughart
Arranged By – Alan Broadbent
Drums – Gregg Field, Gregg Field
Featuring – Richard Cocciante
Guitar – Michael Thompson
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Piano – Alan Broadbent
Synthesizer – Randy Waldman
Vocals – Richard Cocciante
Written-By – Jean-Paul Dreau, Richard Cocciante, Roxanne Seeman
3    For The First Time 4:42
Acoustic Bass – Charles Berghofer
Arranged By – Alan Broadbent
Drums – Gregg Field
Guitar – Michael Thompson
Piano – Alan Broadbent
Synthesizer – Randy Waldman
Written-By – Gerry Goffin, Ken Hirsch
4    It Might Be You (Theme From "Tootsie") 4:57
Acoustic Bass – Charles Berghofer
Arranged By – Alan Broadbent
Backing Vocals – Curtis King, Vaneese Thomas
Drums – Harvey Mason
Featuring – Alan Bergman, Dave Grusin
Guitar – Dean Parks
Piano – Dave Grusin
Synthesizer – Randy Waldman
Vocals – Alan Bergman
Written-By – Alan & Marilyn Bergman
5    Love Like Ours 4:18
Acoustic Bass – Charles Berghofer
Arranged By – Randy Waldman
Drums – Harvey Mason
Featuring – Dave Grusin
Guitar – Dean Parks
Piano – Dave Grusin
Synthesizer – Randy Waldman
Written-By – Alan & Marilyn Bergman
6    Red Cab To Manhattan 5:59
Acoustic Bass – Charles Berghofer
Arranged By – Randy Waldman
Drums – Gregg Field
Featuring – Stephen Bishop
Guitar – Dean Parks, Michael Landau
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Piano – Alan Broadbent
Synthesizer – Randy Waldman
Vocals – Stephen Bishop
Written-By – Stephen Bishop
7    The Heart Never Learns 4:18
Acoustic Bass – Charles Berghofer
Arranged By – Randy Waldman
Drums – Gregg Field
Guitar – Michael Landau
Piano – Alan Broadbent
Synthesizer – Randy Waldman
Written-By – Joe Galdo, Lawrence P. Dermer
8    Never Take That Chance Again 3:56
Acoustic Bass – Charles Berghofer
Arranged By – Alan Broadbent
Backing Vocals – Curtis King, Vaneese Thomas
Drums – Gregg Field
Guitar – Michael Landau
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Piano – Alan Broadbent
Synthesizer – Randy Waldman
Written-By – Burt Bacharach, Tonio K.
9    It Had To Be You (Live) 4:36
Arranged By – Diane Schuur
Bass – Tom Fowler
Drums – Peter Turre
Featuring – Ray Charles
Grand Piano – Diane Schuur
Synthesizer – Ray Charles
Vocals – Ray Charles
Written-By – Gus Kahn, Isham Jones
10    I Just Called To Say I Love You (Live) 4:35
Arranged By – Greg Phillinganes, Herbie Hancock
Bass – Alex Al
Drums – Terri Lyne Carrington
Featuring – Herbie Hancock
Guitar – Randy Jacobs
Piano – Herbie Hancock
Synthesizer – Greg Phillinganes
Vocals – The Rob Mathes Voices
Vocals, Arranged By – Rob Mathes
Written-By – Stevie Wonder
11    Finally 6:55
Acoustic Bass – Charles Berghofer
Arranged By – Randy Waldman
Drums – Gregg Field
Featuring – Stevie Wonder
Guitar – Dean Parks
Harmonica – Stevie Wonder
Synthesizer – Randy Waldman
Vocals – Stevie Wonder
Written-By – Stephanie Andrews, Stevie Wonder

DIANE SCHUUR | MAYNARD FERGUSON - Swingin' for Schuur (2001) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Well regarded as one of our greatest living jazz singers, Schuur seems to enjoy album titles created out of puns of her name -- prior to this there was Friends for Schuur -- but don't let the novelties distract you from this sassy, explosively brassy swing project blending her inventive vocals with Ferguson's blistering trumpet and the ensemble energy of his Big Bop Nouveau Band. Aside from crisp performances by both, the real key to the success here is the unexpected arrangements of standards by various members of Ferguson's band. Two classics generally rendered as intimate ballads -- "Autumn Leaves" and "My Romance" -- are rendered as easy swaying, frisky finger-snapping romps. The interlude after the first verse on "Autumn Leaves" typifies the way Ferguson lets his guys jam before he steps up and challenges them with a powerful wailing flurry of high notes. "My Romance" finds Schuur moving out of her crystal clear midrange safety zone and reaching the high registers, with a few vocal notes matched at the end by the trumpet. Many of the arrangements are like baritone saxman Denis DiBlasio's twist on "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" -- Schuur gliding over a snappy but subdued jazz trio before Ferguson and company burst in with increasingly muscular horn textures, which then push her to emotional heights. Most of the songs incorporate such mood swings, but "Deep Purple" stays a slow, seductive, and subdued ballad the whole way through. Schuur once again proves she's an amazing vocalist who can sing along with the best of them. Is there another singer who's made duet recordings with both Ferguson and B.B. King? Jonathan Widran  
Tracklist :
1     Just One of Those Things 4:09
Cole Porter
2     Besame Mucho 5:20
Sunny Skylar / Consuelo Velázquez
3     Deep Purple 6:28
Peter DeRose / Mitchell Parish
4     Autumn Leaves 3:33
Joseph Kosma / Johnny Mercer / Jacques Prévert
5     My Romance 3:52
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
6     Love Letters 4:39
Edward Heyman / Victor Young
7     East of the Sun and West of the Moon 3:35
Brooks Bowman
8     Midnight Sun 5:58
Sonny Burke / Lionel Hampton / Johnny Mercer
9     I Fall in Love Too Easily 4:31
Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
10     Lush Life 5:58
Billy Strayhorn
11     Just Friends 4:59
John Klenner / Sam M. Lewis
12     Let's Fall in Love 3:45
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler

DIANE SCHUUR - Midnight (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On this set, Diane Schuur performs 13 songs written or co-written by Barry Manilow, most of which are new. On first glance, the project may not seem to have much potential, particularly if one thinks of Manilow's pop records. However, other than a charming vocal duet on the closing "Anytime," Manilow is not on this date and the emphasis is on Schuur's beautiful voice. Fortunately, she takes most of the songs pretty straight, sounding at her best throughout. Manilow proves to be an underrated songwriter, contributing some touching ballads and a few swingers while collaborating with some talented and often witty lyricists. A few of the songs are good enough to become standards (though the odds are against it) and there are some short horn solos along the way. Karrin Allyson duets with Schuur on the humorous "Stay Away from Bill," and singer Brian McKnight helps out on "I'll Be There." All in all, Midnight is a surprising success easily recommended to fans of Diane Schuur's voice. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Meet Me, Midnight 2'58
Barry Manilow / Bruce Sussman
2     When October Goes 4'49
Barry Manilow / Johnny Mercer
3     Stay Away from Bill 3'49
Eddie Arkin / Barry Manilow / Bruce Sussman
4     I'll Be There 4'19
Eddie Arkin / Barry Manilow / Marty Panzer
5     Consider the Point from Both Ends 4'12
Adrienne Anderson / Eddie Arkin / Barry Manilow
6     What Is Love? 3'31
Eddie Arkin / Barry Manilow
7     He Loved Me 4'06
Eddie Arkin / Barry Manilow / Marty Panzer
8     Southwind 2'39
Barry Manilow / Johnny Mercer
9     Our Love Will Always Be There 3'32
Adrienne Anderson / Eddie Arkin / Barry Manilow
10     No Heartache Tonight 3'32
Eddie Arkin / Barry Manilow
11     Good-Bye My Love 3'58
Adrienne Anderson / Barry Manilow
12     Life Is Good 4'02
Barry Manilow / Marty Panzer
13     Anytime 3'01
Barry Manilow
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Dan Higgins (pistas: 1 to 3, 5, 8)
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax Solo] – Dan Higgins (pistas: 10, 11)
Arranged By – Barry Manilow (pistas: 8, 10), Eddie Arkin (pistas: 4, 10, 13)
Arranged By [Horns] – Bill Elliot (2) (pistas: 1, 3, 5, 6, 11)
Arranged By [Orchestra], Conductor, Arranged By [Rhythm Section] – Jorge Calandrelli (pistas: 2, 7)
Arranged By [Rhythm Section] – Barry Manilow (pistas: 1 to 3, 5, 6, 11), Eddie Arkin (pistas: 1 to 3, 5 to 7, 9)
Bass – Abraham Laboriel (pistas: 4, 10, 13), Chuck Berghofer (pistas: 1 to 3, 5 to 9, 11)
Drums – Harvey Mason (pistas: 4, 10, 13), Peter Erskine (pistas: 1 to 3, 5 to 9, 11)
Flugelhorn [Solo] – Warren Luening (pistas: 2, 5)
Guitar – Anthony Wilson (pistas: 1 to 3, 8, 11), Oscar Castro-Neves (pistas: 6, 9)
Guitar [Solo] – Eddie Arkin (pistas: 4, 9, 13)
Harp – Gayle Levant
Musician, Contractor [Orchestra Contractor] – Joe Soldo
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa (pistas: 6, 9)
Percussion, Vibraphone – Alan Estes (pistas: 4, 10)
Piano – Alan Broadbent (pistas: 1 to 3, 5 to 9, 11), Randy Kerber (pistas: 4, 10, 13)
Producer – Barry Manilow, Eddie Arkin
Tenor Saxophone – Bill Liston (pistas: 1, 3, 5, 8, 11)
Trombone – Andy Martin (pistas: 1 to 3, 5, 6, 8, 11)
Trumpet – Warren Luening (pistas: 1, 3, 6, 8, 11)
Trumpet [Solo] – Warren Luening (pistas: 4, 10)
Violin [Concert Master] – Bruce Dukov

DIANE SCHUUR - Schuur Fire (2005) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Having displayed a knack in the past for reinterpreting both pop and jazz tunes, jazz vocalist Diane Schuur once again succeeds in bringing together an unexpected mix of compositions on Schuur Fire. Featuring the Caribbean Jazz Project, the album finds Schuur's clarion vocals melding nicely with vibist Dave Samuels' superb Latin jazz ensemble -- especially trumpeter Diego Urcola, who takes some tasty solos throughout. To these ends, listeners discover that James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" makes for a comfortable soft jazz number with a nice double-time midsection, and Stevie Wonder's "As" fits perfectly into the uptempo Latin dance style. Interestingly, Sergio Mendes' "Look Around" is given a faithfully retro feel that harks back to such shiny vocal groups as the Free Design. However, nobody but Schuur could have predicted how great Don Gibson's classic country tune "I Can't Stop Loving You" would sound as a samba. Matt Collar
Tracklist :
1    Lover Come Back To Me 4:49
Written-By – Oscar Hammerstein II, Sigmund Romberg
2    Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight 4:05
Written-By – James Taylor
3    So In Love 6:29
Written-By – Cole Porter
4    Look Around 3:40
Written-By – Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Sérgio Mendes
5    I Can't Stop Loving You 3:33
Written-By – Don Gibson
6    As 4:26
Written-By – Stevie Wonder
7    More Than You Know 4:10
Written-By – Billy Rose, Edward Eliscu, Vincent Youmans
8    Ordinary World 4:14
Written-By – Duran Duran
9    Poinciana 4:14
Written-By – Buddy Bernier, Nat Simon
10    Close Enough For Love 3:54
Written-By – Johnny Mandel, Paul Williams
11    Confession 4:20
Written-By – Brenda Russell, Ivan Lins
12    Yellow Days 4:03
Written-By – Alan Bernstein, Alvaro Carrillo
Credits :
Bass – Oscar Stagnaro
Drums – Mark Walker
Featuring – Caribbean Jazz Project
Guitar – Oscar Castro-Neves (pistas: 2, 4, 5, 10, 11)
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Diane Schuur
Piano – Dario Eskenazi
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Diego Urcola
Vibraphone, Marimba, Arranged By – Dave Samuels

DIANE SCHUUR - Live in London (2006) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1     Deedles' Blues 5'09
Morgan Ames    
2     I'll Close My Eyes 4'37
Buddy Kaye / Billy Reid
3     Close Enough for Love 4'17
Johnny Mandel / Paul Williams
4     As 6'47
Stevie Wonder
5     Poinciana 5'34
Buddy Bernier / Nat Simon    
6     Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight 4'07
James Taylor    
7     You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To 4'14
Cole Porter
8     When October Goes 5'37
Barry Manilow / Johnny Mercer
9     Besame Mucho 6'56
Consuelo Velasquez    
10     The Very Thought of You 6'39
Ray Noble    
11     So in Love 7'03
Cole Porter    
12     It Don't Mean a Thing 6'50
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
13     Send Me Someone to Love 4'02
Percy Mayfield    
14     Over the Rainbow 3'30
Harold Arlen
Credits :
Bass – Scott Steed
Drums – Reggie Jackson
Guitar – Rod Fleeman
Vocals, Piano – Diane Schuur

DIANE SCHUUR - Some Other Time (2008) APE (image+.cue), lossless

For her entry into the increasingly popular Great American Songbook subgenre, Diane Schuur de-emphasizes the vocal histrionics that in the past have come close to spoiling some of her recordings and maintains a steady, clear, exuberant tone. Good move: one of Schuur's gifts is her multi-octave range, but she has often over-relied on it at the expense of whatever song she was singing. Here, she takes to the classic compositions of George and Ira Gershwin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Irving Berlin, and the like with a respectfulness and glee that allow her to frame and expose these culturally embedded lyrics and melodies without beating on them. If anything, Schuur is overly cautious at times -- there's a girl-like quality to her voice here that belies her 50-plus years, and she sometimes lays back where before she might have trampled. But she's clearly enjoying this repertoire; it's as if, by exploring these ancient tunes, she's discovered a fountain of youth along the way. Accompanied by longtime pianist Randy Porter, as well as guitarist Dan Balmer, bassist Scott Steed, and drummer Reggie Jackson, Schuur largely stays in a ballad-to-midtempo range on standards like "Blue Skies," "Nice Work If You Can Get It," "My Favorite Things," and Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne's "It's Magic." She's comfortable there, and the lack of a hurried pace allows her to utilize her still impressive range to get the most from the tunes without falling into the trap of milking them. Jeff Tamarkin  
Tracklist :
1    Nice Work If You Can Get It 3'27
Written-By – George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
2    Beginner's Luck    4'21
Written-By – George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
3    They Say It's Wonderful 4'49
Written-By – Irving Berlin
4    Some Other Time 4'51
Written-By – Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn
5    Blue Skies 4'03
Written-By – Irving Berlin
6    Without A Song 3'40
Written-By – Billy Rose, Edward Eliscu, Vincent Youmans
7    It's Magic 3'45
Written-By – Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn
8    Taking A Chance On Love 4'54
Written-By – John LaTouche, Ted Fetter, Vernon Duke
9    The Good Life 3'53
Written-By – Jack Reardon, Alexander Sacha Distel
10    If Someone Had Told Me 3'39
Written-By – Charles Tobias, Peter DeRose
11    My Favorite Things 3'56
Written-By – Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers
12    September In The Rain 2'03
Written-By – Al Dubin, Harry Warren
13    Danny Boy  3'33
Arranged By [Guitar Arrangement By] – Dan Balmer
Written-By – Frederick E. Weatherly
Credits :
Arranged By [All Arrangements By Except Danny Boy Guitar Arrangement] – Randy Porter
Bass – Scott Steed
Drums – Reggie Jackson
Guitar – Dan Balmer
Other [Diane Schuur Wardrobe By] – Owee
Piano – Diane Schuur (pistas: 7, 9), Randy Porter (pistas: 1 to 6, 8, 10, 11, 13)
Vocals, Arranged By [Additional Arrangements By] – Diane Schuur

DIANE SCHUUR - The Gathering (2011) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Including compilations, jazz pianist and vocalist Diane Schuur has over 20 recordings. That said, she's never issued anything like The Gathering, her debut offering for Vanguard. Cut in Nashville in one day -- with another dedicated to overdubs and fixes -- Schuur and her band perform ten absolutely classic songs from the country music canon in her own signature style. It's clear that while she wanted to be reverent toward the material, she was also interested in omitting the twang. Schuur plays acoustic piano, but is also backed by Mike Rojas on Wurlitzer, Eddie Bayers on drums, Steve Gibson on guitar, bassist Michael Rhodes, and vibraphonist Eric Darken. The set opens with a stellar rendition of Hank Cochran's ballad "Why Can't He Be You?" Schuur croons and swoons vocally, moving the tune toward the pop audience Cochran was reaching for when he wrote it. This is followed by a beautiful reading of Willie Nelson's "Healing Hands of Time," on which saxophonist Kirk Whalum adds a deeply soulful solo without forsaking any of the tune's melodic intent; it is painted further by Mark Knopfler's and producer Steve Buckingham's guitars. The reading of Dallas Frazier's "Beneath Still Waters" isn't as emotionally moving as Emmylou Harris', but perhaps that's because Schuur foregoes a plaintive vocal in favor of a full-throated bluesy one. The reading of Tammy Wynette's "Til I Can Make It on My Own" does the opposite: it may lack the drama of the author's version, but in its place are warmth and elegance. Vince Gill lends harmony vocals to Merle Haggard's and Bonnie Owens' "Today I Started Loving You Again," which is funked-up George Benson-style by the addition of Larry Carlton's guitar as the cut's driving force. Alison Krauss harmonizes on another Cochran tune, "Don't Touch Me," with the lilting Wurlitzer underscoring Schuur's lead vocal. Perhaps the most compelling track here is her version of Bill Anderson's and Roger Miller's "When Two Worlds Collide," as jazz and country meet head on and become something else. The set closes with a radical take on Kris Kristofferson's "Nobody Wins." Schuur's precise vocal, pronounces each syllable in declamatory style; it's stretched by Gibson's guitar playing, accenting the ends of her lines and elongating them. One might imagine that Schuur used Ray Charles' Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music and Patsy Cline's later recordings as inspirations, but her revisioning of these legendary songs is uniquely her own, placing them in neither the jazz nor country camps, but firmly in the realm of classy American pop. Thom Jurek  
Tracklist :
1     Why Can't He Be You 4'55
Hank Cochran
2     Healing Hands of Time 5'30
Willie Nelson
Guitar – Mark Knopfler
Saxophone [Tenor] – Kirk Whalum
3     Beneath Still Waters 4'34
Dallas Frazier
4     Til I Can Make It on My Own 3'13
George Richey / Billy Sherrill / Tammy Wynette
5     Don't Touch Me 3'54
Hank Cochran
Vocals [Harmony] – Alison Krauss
6     Today I Started Loving You Again 4'54
Merle Haggard / Bonnie Owens
Guitar – Larry Carlton
Vocals [Harmony] – Vince Gill
7     Til I Get It Right 3'10
Larry Henley / Red Lane
8     Am I That Easy to Forget 3'34
Carl Belew / Shelby Singleton
9     When Two Worlds Collide 3'14
Bill Anderson / Roger Miller
10     Nobody Wins 3'18
Kris Kristofferson
Credits :
Bass – Michael Rhodes
Drums – Eddie Bayers
Guitar – Steve Gibson
Piano [Wurlitzer] – Mike Rojas
Vibraphone – Eric Darken
Vocals [Harmony] – Carmella Ramsey
Vocals, Piano – Diane Schuur

DIANE SCHUUR - Running on Faith (2020) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

With 2020's Running on Faith, Grammy-winning singer/pianist Diane Schuur offers emotive reworkings of some of her favorite songs from across the jazz, soul, and classic rock genres. Working in collaboration with Schuur is saxophonist and co-producer Ernie Watts, who brings his own artful, post-bop soulfulness to the proceedings. Joining them are trumpeter Kye Palmer, guitarist Thom Rotella, bassist Bruce Lett, and drummer Kendall Kay. Together, they've crafted a heartfelt and uplifting album that evokes the earthy, cross-pollinated jazz of the '70s. The album is Schuur's first since 2014's Frank Sinatra and Stan Getz-inspired I Remember You: With Love to Stan and Frank and again finds her expanding upon the original recordings with her own genre-bending jazz style. Here we get effusive takes on Paul Simon's "Something So Right," the Beatles' "Let It Be," and Percy Mayfield's ''Walking on a Tightrope." Equally engaging are Schuur's renditions of the Miles Davis classic "All Blues" and her burnished take on "This Bitter Earth"; the latter again spotlights the singer's longstanding love of Dinah Washington, who initially took the song to number one on the R&B charts in 1960. There's a bluesy quality to many of these tracks, especially on Schuur's slow-grooving interpretation of Ray Charles' "The Danger Zone" and the gospel-tinged version of Carole King's "Way Over Yonder." Delightfully unexpected is her inspired jazz-adaptation of Jeff Lynne's "The Sun Will Shine on You" off the 2015 ELO album Alone in the Universe. There's also an infectiously funky take on Pee Wee Ellis' "Chicken" (inspired here by Jaco Pastorius' version) which features ebullient soloing from Palmer, Watts, and Kay, not to mention some falsetto group interplay between Schuur and the band. A virtuoso singer, Schuur's warm, amiable style brings an infectious joy to these songs. Matt Collar  
Tracklist :
1    Walking On A Tightrope 4:25
Written-By – Percy Mayfield
2    The Danger Zone 4:52
Written-By – Percy Mayfield
3    All Blues 4:38
Written-By – Miles Davis
4    Something So Right 5:52
Written-By – Paul Simon
5    Let It Be 7:15
Written-By – John Lennon And Paul McCartney
6    The Sun Will Shine On You 5:31
Written-By – Jeffrey Lynne
7    Everybody Looks Good At The Starting Line 6:51
Written-By – William M. Maddox, Paul W. Thorn
8    There Is Always One More Time 4:59
Written-By – Jerome Pomus, Kenneth W. Hirsch
9    Chicken 6:17
Written-By – Alfred J. Ellis
10    This Bitter Earth 3:30
Written-By – Clyde L. Otis
11    Running On Faith 4:38
Written-By – Jerry Lynn Williams
12    Way Over Younder 4:21
Written-By – Carole King
13    Swing Low Sweet Chariot 3:34
Arranged By – Diane Schuur
Written-By – Traditional
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Bruce Lett
Drums – Kendall Kay
Guitar – Thom Rotella
Tenor Trombone, Soprano Saxophone – Ernie Watts
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Kye Palmer
Vocals, Piano – Diane Schuur