Running On Faith
Jazzheads, 2020
8/10
On her first release in 6 years the multiple Grammy winner Diane Schuur pays homage to some of her idols as blues, gospel and jazz sounds prevail from the always impressive pianist/vocalist.
“Walking On A Tightrope”, a Percy Mayfield tune, starts the listen with Schuur’s mix of talking and singing with piano fueled blues, and “The Danger Zone” follows with strong vocals alongside the reflective tone.
Near the middle, “The Sun Will Shine On You”, a Jeff Lynne original, offers a ballad with an emotive landscape, while “Everybody Looks Good At The Starting Line” flows with an upbeat approach where Ernie Watts leaves an impression with his saxophone prowess. “This Bitter Earth”, one of the album’s best, then relies heavily on Schuur’s piano skills as the melancholic climate tugs at the heartstrings.
At the end, “Way Over Yonder” displays poetic storytelling that’s both eloquent and striking, and the spiritual “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” puts a soulful spin on the classic with just Schuur’s piano.
Schuur’s pipes sound as rich and inimitable as ever here, as the songstress moves deftly from one track to the next with esteemed help from Ernie Watts and Bruce Lett, among others, resulting in another fantastic listen in her vast catalog of work.
Travels well with: Coniece Washington- Shades Of Shirley Horn; Lyn Stanley- London With A Twist