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Diane Schuur: Midnight
Midnight is a video-enhanced CD, Schuur’s third release for Concord Records and her first under the tutelage of Barry Manilow and his co-producer, co-writer and arranger, Eddie Arkin. Over the course of a year, Manilow, Arkin and their lyricists Marty Panzer, Bruce Sussman and Adrienne Anderson composed thirteen songs for Schuur; two of the selections feature lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
The attempt to create and maintain a smoky, after-hours ambience is generally successful, with good variety, order and pacing; Dan Higgins’ alto sax solos are especially poignant and communicative. The chemistry between Manilow and Schuur seems felicitous; the CD is produced and polished to a slick sheen, with big-name jazz and soul soloists, well-harmonized arrangements, and an orchestra of glistening strings conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.
Schuur’s vocal instrument is in its usual fine form, with good rhythmic and harmonic sensibilities, three-plus octave range, and impeccable intonation (although her emotional intensity sometimes causes her to over-sing and her vibrato to become tremulous). The guest appearances by Allyson, McKnight and Manilow each fit their respective selections and arrangements to a tee.
Those who like their music lush, polished, dramatic and emotional are apt to find this CD to their liking. Those who like an edge to their jazz, a spirit of adventure and unpredictability, would probably do well to look elsewhere.
Track Listing
Meet Me, Midnight; When October Goes; 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
vocalsDiane Schuur (vocals and piano), Alan Broadbent or Randy Kerber (piano), Chuck Berghofer or Abraham Laboriel (bass), Peter Erskine or Harvey Mason (drums), Anthony Wilson, Eddie Arkin or Oscar Castro-Neves (guitar), Dan Higgins (alto sax), Bill Liston (tenor sax), Warren Luening (trumpet or flugelhorn), Andy Martin (trombone), Paulinho DaCosta (percussion), Alan Estes (percussion and vibes), Tommy Morgan (harmonica), and strings, with Karrin Allyson, Brian McKnight, and Barry Manilow (guest vocals), and Yvonne Williams and Phillip Ingram (background vocals)
Album information
Title: Midnight | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Concord Music Group
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