Search - Dianne Reeves :: Art & Survival

Get it while you can

Erykah | 07/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A friend of mine from the Virgin Islands told me about this CD. I immediately went to my local record store to purchase it and was told that it is no longer available. Thankfully, there were a few used copies on Amazon. I purchased one of them and it was in excellent condition when it received it. I can't imagine why someone would want to part with this CD, but I am sure glad they did. Ms. Reeves is speaking from a different place than most contemporary artist. The songs are very personal, but cover issues faced by many women in today's society. But she is not simply singing the female blues. As she declares in the song Endangered Species, " I am an endangered species, but I sing no victim song. I am a woman, I am an artist, I know where my voice belongs." These songs are poingant with affirmations of faith, hope, self determination and self definition. And although her subject matter is female survival, men will find affirmation in her messages as well. Song like Old Souls which speaks of receiving strenght from our ancestral past and the Lord; Come to the River which speaks of healing and new beginnings; Anthem which speaks of courage and fortitude; and Freedom Dance which celebrates liberation, all testify to the resilience of the human spirit in the midst of change and contradiction. The music which fuses africans vibes with jazz, and a tad of R&B rounds out this celebration of art and survival. If you like India Arie, Cassandra Wilson or Nenna Freelon, then you will love this CD. So, order one of the used copies today before they run out or those who have used copies to sell change their minds."

Simply Magical

C. Hopkins | Hampton, VA United States | 10/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Diane Reeves is as mystical as her music; on this particular CD, she unleashes her connection to Africa through song and she is simply brillant in her delivery. I bought and lost this album while in college and at last, I have found it. Although Reeves does not receive the accolades and recongnition that she so deserves, her true followers will always be in touch with her music, her style, and her creative vocal genuis. The CD is simply wonderful, especially Freedom Dance."

Soulfully Rich Treasure

Beverly Praiswater | 09/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gorgeous, lush tapestries and soulful arrangements abound in this work. The opening number "Old Souls" features Dianne singing a stirring vocal. "Come to the River" is a wonderful uplifting song. Michael Thompson's guitar weaves throughout brilliantly! Dianne wrote the beautiful ballad "One More Time" which is delicately haunting. The song "Anthem" is just that as Dianne builds this song. "Freedom Dance" is a song of joy, freedom, and artistic accomplishment. "Josa Lee" has got to be the most funky jazz song on the CD. This Dianne-duet is brilliant! Dianne sings a whole new interpretation of "Body and Soul". "Lament For a Lonely Child" is a most unique song. Not since we heard Sarah Vaughn has there been anything quite as extraordinary as "Bird Alone". If you love Dianne Reeves artistry then this CD is a must. It truly has got to be the most passionate work of her career!"