Diane Schuur: Midnight (2003)

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: August 25, 2003

Diane Schuur has always been a durable presence on the music scene. She has skirted the periphery of the jazz genre, never fully making her way in due to her penchant for popular music. Her Basie album was prime Schuur to be sure and should be taken seriously. She is above all a great performer. On Midnight, Ms. Schuur joins forces with Barry Manilow, who interestingly enough recently joined the ranks of Concord Jazz. Mr. Manilow fielded the compositional and arranging duties, and if the listener is expecting something like "Copa Cobana" she will be disappointed.

Manilow and Schuur have conjured up a recording that lies somewhere between big band, '40s popular, and adult contemporary. The charts are all well played and Ms. Schuur is in good voice on the date. She has three duets on the recording, with Karrin Allyson, Brian McKnight, and Manilow, and the Karrin Allyson piece "Stay Away From Bill" is being the best of the bunch. What makes this recording special is the craftsmanship provided by all. This disc will offer certain appeal to those listeners inspired by June Christy and Peggy Lee.

For more information, please see Concord Jazz and Diane Schuur .

Track Listing: Meet Me, Midnight; When October Comes; Stay Away From Bill; I'll Be There; Consider The Point From Both Ends; What Is Love?' He Loved Me; Southwind; Our Love Will Always Be There; No Heartache Tonight; Good-Bye My Love; Life Is Good; Anytime.

Personnel: Diane Schuur-Vocals; Alan Broadbent-Piano; Chuck Berghofer-Bass; Peter Erskine-Drums; Anthony Wilson-Guitar; Dan Higgins-Alto Saxophone; Bill Liston-Tenor Saxophone; Warren Luening-Trumpet; Andy Martin-Trombone.

Record Label: Concord Music Group
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream