Diane Schuur and trio took the stage at the Wallenstien Theater on the Big Bend Community College campus in Moses Lake Friday night and wowed the audience with showmanship, her famous perfect pitch singing, and the warmth of her personality. She played songs from her new CD, Some Other Time
"I just feel like there's a groove happening here tonight. I feel like we're really connecting and I love it," she said.
Preferring to be called by the nickname Deedles, she started her set with her personal theme song, "Deedles Blues". She followed that up with a bouncy and full sound on "I Love You". Then she engaged the audience with a complex and introspective rendition of "My Favorite Things".
"I've Got Beginners Luck" sounded as fresh as a spring day. Her singing was pure, controlled and delicate.
Dan Balmer's guitar playing was punchy and bright. He used a touch of reverb, but it was subtle. Every individual note was clear and distinguishable. He played brilliant musical solos.
She's looking forward to turning 55 on December 10. Her husband, Les "Rocket" Crockett is 75. "I've been riding on my husband's coattails," she said. "Now I'll get to order by myself from the seniors menu at Denny's." She also touched briefly on presidential politics.
"If a brother gets the presidency, I hope he brings jazz back into the White House," Deedles said. She has played there twice for past administrations.
Next she played "Sunny Side Of The Street", followed by "The Very Thought Of You".
On "Blue Skies", she used lots of reharmonization and countermelody, walking down the minor scale in overlapping third steps.
The evening was rounded out by "Nice Work If You Can Get It", "Besame Mucho", and "Some Other Time".
Deedles' career has spanned decades, and the years have added a smoothness that makes her music more beautiful than ever. The joy she has for life is apparent in her singing and in her stage presence. When it's time to take a bow, she stretches down to her toes, in what is called "The Buddha Bow."
Following Friday's performance, she traveled to Spokane for a gig at The Fox, and then returned to her home in Orange County, Calif., to see her husband in "the Deedles-Rocket pad," and for some quality time with her cats, Keesa and Tootsie.
The concert was emceed by Randy Johnstad, executive director of the Columbia Basin Allied Arts, the organization responsible for Deedles' visit.
Nineteen additional photos from the concert are available in "Photo Galleries > Wallenstien Theater > Diane Schuur, 2008-09-26."
About the new CD
Musicians:
Diane Schuur - vocals, piano
Randy Porter - piano
Dan Balmer - guitar
Scott Steed - bass
Reggie Jackson - drums
Songs:
Nice Work If You Can Get It
I've Got Beginners Luck
They Say It's Wonderful
Some Other Time
Blue Skies
Without A Song
It's Magic
Taking A Chance On Love
The Good Life
If Someone Had Told Me
My Favorite Things
September In The Rain - special track originally recorded in 1964
Danny Boy
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