Dianne Reeves
When You Know
Blue Note
By George W. Harris

For my money, Ms. Reeves best albums so far have been her latest collaborations. “Goodnight and Good Luck” was a stunning success, with Reeves hitting the grooves that she’s always promised. Likewise, her contributions on the Billy Strayhorn project (“Lush Life”) spotlighted her ability to reach some gravitas. Her latest release continues her winning streak, with a collection of tunes that combine the flexibility of jazz with the richness of what we used to call “adult contemporary”. Whatever happened to that category, anyway. Well, if there still were that section in the record stores (whatever happened to them as well?), Reeves would be the queen of the aisle. This disc features a mature woman of song taking mature songs and treating them in an adult and mature fashion. The Temps “Just My Imagination” is picture perfect, with Reeves delivering the goods over Romero Lubambo’s and Russell Malone’s guitar work. This dynamic duo is a perfect pair throughout the session, and supply Reeves with a feathery foundation for a dreamy version of “I’m In Love Again.” She also takes the usually genteel “Midnight Sun” and turns it into a lushously grooved romp. She closes the disc with a gospel tinged testifying piece dedicated to her mother, that is as inspiring lyrically as musically. Another good outing for Reeves: she’s on a roll!