Palo Alto Sessions
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 Lovefrom 1982, along with three tracks from 1985'sFor Every Heartand 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