Search - Diane Schuur, Caribbean Jazz Project :: Schuur Fire

They didn't Seem to be making the same recording

Noel Smith | New York | 05/27/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Let me say out front that I am a fan. A fan of both the CJP and Diane Schuur. Individually their past efforts are terrific; exciting playing and impeccable singing, but this pairing of the 2 artists just doesn't work for me. And I think the fault lies in the disparity between Ms Schuur's singing style and the CJP arrangements- they don't seem to be paying attention to each other. I know she was overdubbbed after the band played but I am not talking about a sonic mismatch. I am talking about a musical mismatch. The band cooks with its sinuating latin style but Ms. Schuur delivers her part without any of that latin feel. I have many of her recordings and heve seen her in person numerous times and I can't remember her ever doing a song with a latin feel. I do not think she can go there. A latin singer she is not. Castro-Neves's arrangements seem to have been written without hearing Ms. Schuur's approach to the songs.



I'm sure the combination of the two artists read well on paper but there should have been someone in the sutdio acutally listening to the results. The credits indiciate that one of the execituve producers is one of Ms. Schuur's management team. Perhaps he is not objective enough to know when something is not working. For me, this one doesn't make it."

SCHURR is Good -- and on FIRE !

FredericWhite | Montreal,Canada | 07/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I found the musical arrangements on this CD detailed and brilliant.



Once again, Ms. Schuur executes a flawless vocal performance that is both original and daring.



The song selection is very innovative and pleasurable.

The plan to re orchestrate the DURAN DURAN song ORDINARY WORLD is nothing less than a jazz tour de force.

Schuur softly adapts her vocal styling to enhance the Caribbean essence and blend skillfully into the forefront of this project.



If you worship music that is stylish then this beautifully crafted product is for you. A great CD for all to discover!



"

Schuur Fireworks!!!

Beverly Praiswater | 10/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Following the career of this sassy diva for years, who would have thought Diane Schuur had it in her to swing into high gear and go over the top!! This work is inspired in a "Wow!" kind of way.



The opener is the standard "Lover Come Back To Me". Well, the name is the only "standard" thing about it! Like many of the other songs in this album, the Caribbean Jazz Project creates some hot salsa arrangements! Diane's vocals are far and away her best. For example, "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" will take the top of your head off! Nobody (including Baby James himself) can pull off anything close to the feeling that Diane injects into the phrasing of this ballad. Hot and sultry, the musicians and Diane make magic with "So In Love". This one is an exceptional listen! Nobody can sing Stevie Wonder like Diane Schuur! What she does with "As" is dazzling! She truly could do an album of only Stevie Wonder songs to perfection. There is a satisfying but beautiful maturity to "Confession". "Yellow Days" is a fine ending to this collection.



For all of the Diane Schuur fans, this is a must for your collections. For jazz vocal fans--you must experience this album. For Diane herself, thank you! You are a beautiful soul!"