b. Dianne Reeves, 23rd October 1956, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
Dianne Reeves is a very fine jazz vocalist.
She made her name in the late 80's, when she was discovered by Blue Note Records during a worldwide revival of interest in jazz.
Born in Detroit but raised from the age of two in Denver, Dianne was still in high school, singing with the high-school big band, when she was spotted by swing trumpeter Clark Terry at the National Association of Jazz Educators Conference in Chicago.
Terry's encouragement and advice led her to study at the University of Colorado, where she was able to perform with him, and later to move to California and pursue music full-time.
In Los Angeles in the mid-70's, Reeves' vocal range led her quickly into the west coast's studio scene, where she became very much in demand, recording for drummer Lenny White, saxophonist the late Stanley Turrentine (singing lead vocals on 'Only You & Me' for the artists 1981 release 'Tender Togetherness') and drummer Alphonzo Johnson.
Between 1978 and 1980, she worked full-time with Los Angeles-based pianist Billy Childs, whom Reeves still credits for giving her a chance to experiment and grow, while working almost nightly.
Still studying (under vocal coach Phil Moore), she gained her first big international exposure in 1981, touring with Sergio Mendes.
welcome to my love - 1982 / for every heart - 1984 / dianne reeves - 1987 / the nearness of you - 1988
Dianne recorded her first album a year later.
'Welcome To My Love', co-produced by Childs and released on Pablo Alto Jazz, set the trend for the original material that helped distinguish much of Reeves' work in later years.
But it was in 1987 that she had her biggest break, when Blue Note Records president Bruce Lundvall spotted her at an Echoes Of Ellington concert in Los Angeles, and wasted no time in setting up her first major session.
The resulting 'Dianne Reeves' featured George Duke, Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams, Stanley Clarke and her old friend Billy Childs, and rocketed Reeves onto the international festival circuit.
never too far - 1989 / i remember - 1991 / quiet after the storm - 1994 / the calling - 2001
In 1995, Dianne released 'Quiet After The Storm', a fine record with guest contributions by saxophonist Joshua Redman, trumpeter Roy Hargrove, flautist Hubert Laws, guitarist Kevin Eubanks and percussionist Airto Moreira.
when you know - 2008 / beautiful life - 2013
2008 saw the release of 'When You Know', before a break from recording, and a label switch to the Decca imprint, for 2013's 'Beautiful Life'.
Dianne sang at the funeral of her friend, George Duke, that year.
at love supreme 2015
Albums:
Welcome To My Love (Palo Alto Jazz Records 1982)
For Every Heart (Palo Alto Jazz Records 1985)
Dianne Reeves (Blue Note Records 1987)
Never Too Far (EMI Records 1989)
I Remember (EMI Records 1990)
Art And Survival (EMI Records 1994)
Quiet After The Storm (Blue Note Records 1995)
The Grand Encounter (Blue Note Records 1996)
That Day...(Blue Note Records 1997)
Bridges (Blue Note Records 1999)
In The Moment (Blue Note Records 2000)
The Calling (Blue Note Records 2001)
A Little Moonlight (Blue Note Records 2003)
When You Know (Blue Note Records 2008)
Beautiful Life (Decca Records 2013)
