The Magic of Dianne Reeves at Chicago Symphony Center

Grammy Award winner Dianne Reeves* has a vocal range with global reach. Backed by a quartet of musicians(bassist Reginald Veal and drummer Terreon Gully, pianist Peter Martin and guitarist Romero Lubambo) who complement this dignified and funny woman's soulful renderings of jazz standards and pop surprises, the upper balcony of Orchestra Hall - my Comiskey to its Cellular tag: apologies -Symphony Center - was on its feet. She is not Sarah Vaughan - She is Dianne Reeves.

The blond Brazilian guitarist Romero Lubambo was a show in himself - he is seen playing above with Ms. Reeves.

* Reeves was born in Detroit, Michigan to a very musical family. Her father, who died when she was two years old, was also a singer. Her mother, Vada Swanson, played trumpet. A cousin, George Duke, is a well known piano and keyboard player and producer. Dianne and her sister Sharon were raised by their mother in Denver, Colorado. As a child Dianne took piano lessons and sang at every opportunity. When she was 11 years old her interest in music was enhanced by an inspiring teacher who thought that music was the best way to bring students together. Dianne discovered a love of music and that she wanted to be a singer.
Her uncle, Charles Burrell, a bass player with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, introduced her to the music of jazz singers, from Ella Fitzgerald to Billie Holiday. She was especially impressed by Sarah Vaughan.