The Calling: Celebrating Sarah Vaughan
In the wake of the sometimes uneven live albumIn the Moment, Diane Reeves returns in exceptional form with a concept album,The Calling: Celebrating Sarah Vaughan. A tribute to one of jazz's legendary heroines,The Callingcatches the many moods of the singer who became known simply asSassy, delving into songs the jazz great popularized, including "Lullaby of Birdland" and "Send in the Clowns." On "Lullaby," Reeves summons Sassy's ghost with familiar phrasing and a majestic, powerful delivery. But it is on the lesser-known Vaughan numbers that Reeves really excels, making the standards her own. "Obsession" was recorded by Vaughan on her final album, 1987'sBrazilian Romance. Reeves explores the emotional vehicle like an eagle, soaring grandly over surging orchestral accompaniment. Reeves then changes mood with an intimate cocktail version of "If You Could See Me Now" that includes a graceful piano solo byMulgrew Miller. "I Remember Sarah" recalls the self-involved "The First Five Chapters" from Reeves'sIn the Momentalbum, but again, the outstanding full orchestra (featuringBilly Childs, Greg Hutchinson,Russell Malone, andGeorge Duke) is so inspired and lush that it's impossible to remain unmoved. Reeves also offers a splendid, bopping, Afro Cuban version of "Fascinatin' Rhythm." Other Vaughan favorites include a lusciously swinging reading of "Key Largo," and a delightful take on "I Hadn't Anyone Till You," withClark Terryhumorously joining in. Again, this recalls Vaughan in her swinging, stunning prime. Reeves is obviously no Sarah Vaughan clone, but by surrounding herself with gloriously realized orchestral accompaniment and Sassy's indelible songs, she both pays respect and sets herself apart.--Ken Micallef