Deedles, as she is affectionately called, returned to the Rrazz Room to celebrate her trademark mix of standard jazz and pop influences. Schuur is sounding assured and convincing, and even recuperating from a severe ear infection couldn't affect the fine performance by one of best interpreters of classic songbook gems. Her vocals are both restrained and powerful when called for, and at this show, she remained at the piano adding another dimension to quartet. She is surrounded by an extraordinary trio of Scott Steed on bass, Reggie Jackson on drums and co-arranger Dan Balmer on jazz guitar. This may be the finest true jazz performance the Rrazz Room has seen since, well since the last time Schuur played here.

Most of the evenings selections are culled from last year's critically acclaimed CD Some Other Time, and performed live, they take on new life in the sizzling arrangements that propel the standards into the present moment. The Gershwins' (I've Got) "Beginner's Luck" swings into a groove driven by the rhythm section that aptly displays Schuur's supple vocals. Cole Porter's "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" is a perfect setting for the evening's tone—a classic verse, the popular chorus, then a generous jazz break extolling each band members virtues. It doesn't get much better than this quartet. Her version of the sugary sweet "My Favorite Things" is given a hardcore jazz makeover full of energy and appreciation of the good things.

A lovely rendition of Buddy Johnson's bluesy "Save Your Love For Me" sequed into the evening's highlight, Schuur's classic take on Peter Ivers and Franne Golde's "Louisiana Sunday Afternoon." This is where her pop sensibilities merge seamlessly with smooth jazz and the result is quintessential Diane Schuur. She and the band knock this tune out of the park. Diane Schuur is up there amongst the best and this performance keeps building on that reputation.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
May 20, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org