Dianne Reeves: Just My Imagination

Dianne Reeves began her career with one foot in R&B and the other in jazz. Later she explored Latin tangents, World Music and fusion. More recently she has strengthened her credentials as a mainstream jazz chanteuse, as demonstrated on her soundtrack work on Good Night and Good Luck and her Sarah Vaughan tribute album. But just when we thought Reeves had become a jazz purist, she dishes up a CD full of soul and pop staples, including this reworking of a 1971 hit by the Temptations. Reeves's voice, sinuous and insinuating, is well suited for this material. The rhythm section stays in the Smooth Jazz camp, but provides a comfortable sonic cushion for the star vocalist. This track will generate airplay, but perhaps also generate confusion among fans who thought Reeves was intent on assuming the mantle of Billie and Ella, Carmen and Sarah.