Dianne Reeves, a 2018 NEA Jazz Master
Dianne Reeves
A tribute to the passionate singer
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Ever since she made her first record as a leader in 1982, Dianne Reeves has been one of jazz’s top jazz singers.
Growing up in Denver, Reeves actually appeared on record with her high school band and gained experience with a variety of r&b and jazz artists (including Sergio Mendes and Harry Belafonte) before launching her solo career.
While her recordings are performances have been eclectic through the years, covering a wide variety of styles, when she sings jazz, very few are on her level.
That fact was recognized in 2018 when Dianne Reeves was made an NEA Jazz Master along with Pat Metheny, Joanne Brackeen and Todd Barkan.
To celebrate the occasion, here is a classic rendition of “Skylark” from 2011 in which Reeves’ beautiful voice is featured with a trio led by pianist Stefano di Battista.
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald