SquawkRadio

After the week we’ve had here in Kentucky, I was tempted to blog on Glenn Frey’s “Strange Weather.” But every time someone mentions the Eagles around here, Christina makes a sound that’s been known to kill off an endangered species, so I decided to do something else instead. This CD ought to meet much more with her approval.

I really wanted to blog on Diane Schuur’s CD “Talkin’ ‘Bout You,” because that was the first one I ever bought by her, and it’s often the first CD I buy by someone that becomes my fave (as in her case).  Unfortunately, it’s out of print.  Which is too bad, because it has the best version of “Cry Me a River” I’ve ever heard.  Two words:  Oh. Baby.  But this collection, recorded live with the Count Basie Orchestra, was released the year before and is every bit as good.

You know, I could probably just end the blog here, mentioning both Schuur and Count Basie in one breath, which should be enough to make anyone sample the CD.  But there are probably people out there who haven’t heard Schuur sing, so I’ll add that she has one of the most powerful voices in the world of jazz, with a range and delivery that awe me.  And she always chooses songs to record that showcase that beautifully.  Better still, she puts a personal stamp on them that pull them away from the crowded world of oft-covered standards.

Here, however, she’s recording some less-covered tunes, many of which made their mark with Basie’s orchestra performed by other artists. And many of which she hasn’t recorded elsewhere herself (or, at least, hadn’t at this point in her career).  And all of which she embraces and makes her own.  Some even give her an opportunity to show off additional talents.  In “You Can Have It,” for example, Shuur scats with a smoothness that rivals Ella herself. “Climbing Mountains” is kissed by gospel, another big-sounding form of music that requires massive power and range from the singer if it’s going to work.  With Schuur, it works beautifully.

It’s that power and range that make the Count Basie Orchestra such a perfect complement for her.  Big voice plus big band equals big entertainment. Whether she’s singing ballads or the blues, Diane Schuur delivers bigtime. Not a lot of singers would be standouts with a legendary backdrop like Basie’s orchestra.  But Schuur’s confidence and gift absolutely shine.