What makes Deedles by Diane Schuur notable?

Deedles earned critical acclaim upon release, establishing Schuur as a significant figure in vocal jazz. The album helped her win the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance in 1986, solidifying her influence on the genre and inspiring a generation of jazz artists. Released in 1984, Deedles was Diane Schuur's debut album, marking her entry into the jazz scene following her early performances in local venues. At this point in her career, she had already garnered attention for her unique voice and style, setting the stage for her subsequent rise in the jazz world.

Deedles works well if you're into steady pacing for relaxed listening, emotive vocals for heartfelt moments and warm background for social gatherings.

How many songs are on Deedles?

Deedles has 10 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Deedles

Diane Schuur · 1984

41 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz standards and heartfelt ballads showcasing Schuur's powerful vocals and emotive delivery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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New York State of Mind — This track demonstrates Schuur's ability to imbue classic material with personal interpretation, showcasing her rich vocal timbre against a lush arrangement that captures the essence of New York.
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Reverend Lee — Schuur's emotive delivery on this song highlights her storytelling prowess, blending heartfelt lyrics with a soulful melody that resonates deeply.
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Amazing Grace — Her rendition transforms this well-known hymn into a jazz standard, featuring improvisational elements that showcase her vocal agility and emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Schuur's debut blends standards with strong vocal delivery, establishing her unique presence in jazz.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong vocal performance on 'The Very Thought of You', establishing Schuur's emotive style immediately.
The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with ballads like 'I’ll Close My Eyes' contrasting with more upbeat numbers such as 'New York State of Mind'.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for relaxed listening
emotive vocals for heartfelt moments
warm background for social gatherings
consistent flow with gradual resolution

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1984, Deedles was Diane Schuur's debut album, marking her entry into the jazz scene following her early performances in local venues. At this point in her career, she had already garnered attention for her unique voice and style, setting the stage for her subsequent rise in the jazz world.
Stylistic neighbors: Cassandra Wilson· Nina Simone· Patrice Rushen