Dianne Reeves

Reigning jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves returns after a nearly three-year hiatus—her last album was the Grammy-winning soundtrack to Good Night, And Good Luck. Reeves heaves her vibrant voice back into the public consciousness, mostly reworking contemporary tunes. Some she establishes as valid new standards, but most feel extraneous—well-intentioned and well-executed, but, well, purposeless.

The album-opening Temptations track "Just My Imagination," for instance, is a real winner, kicking back all mellow and twinkling. Reeves takes the time to let the song unfold on its own, relaxing in the languid vocal melodies and open arrangements of pianist Billy Childs. Reeves does little, however, to justify the existence of another version of Minnie Riperton's maudlin number "Lovin' You," which on When You Know remains a listless and overly-sentimental triviality. Too many tracks on the album follow this pattern—capably smooth, technically flawless renditions that sound more geared towards an elevator than a jazz hall.

But then there's "Today Will Be A Good Day," the album's closing tune, and it's a striking gospel-influenced, 12-bar blues number sung in tribute to Reeves' mother. Most of When You Know's songs get by on the strength of Reeves' voice, but "Today Will Be A Good Day" harnesses both the power of her voice and the determination of her soul. If more of the album were personal rather than professional, it'd be more successful.

—Chris Hassiotis
04.17.08