The Lady Sings Jazz & Blues: Stolen Moments (remastered) Review

07/13/2005 7:01 AM, AMG


Released simultaneously on CD and DVD in 2002 but recorded on December 4, 1992, at New York's Ritz Theatre, Stolen Moments: The Lady Sings Jazz & Blues ranks among Diana Ross' finest latter-day performances. This concert, weighing in at a healthy 19 tracks, is a delightful blend of both jazz and blues standards that allows Ross to exercise her remarkable vocal prowess away from the themes for which she is best known. Backed by both a big band and a jazz sextet, Ross absolutely shines across a varied and well-paced set that finds her as at ease with the Gershwins' "Love Is Here to Stay" and "The Man I Love" as on a marvelous rendition of the Billie Holiday classic "Fine and Mellow." It's just a short leap back to Cole Porter's fine "It's Alright With Me." Rounding out the mood are equally nifty versions of "Ain't Nobody's Bizness if I Do," "Don't Explain," and "Them There Eyes." With Ross in her element, obviously enjoying the moment, and with this elegant venue imbued with the smoke and mirrors of yesteryear, her performance utterly transcends a mere concert setting and becomes, truly, the performance of a lifetime. Better perhaps on DVD, where the visual images beautifully enhance the music, Stolen Moments on CD is still quite wonderful. What's better than one of R&B's divas diving into those old, gold classics? ~ Amy Hanson, All Music Guide