What makes Swingin' for Schuur by Diane Schuur notable?

The album received critical acclaim, with particular praise for Schuur's vocal performances and arrangements of timeless jazz standards. It contributed to the resurgence of interest in vocal jazz during the early 2000s, influencing both contemporary artists and younger musicians exploring the genre. Swingin' for Schuur marked Diane Schuur's return to recording after a brief hiatus, following her previous album, 1999's 'Live in London'. By this time, she had established herself as a prominent figure in vocal jazz, known for her distinctive style and vocal prowess. This album further solidified her status within the genre while showcasing her ability to interpret classic songs.

Who is Swingin' for Schuur for?

Swingin' for Schuur works well if you're into steady melodic journey throughout, lush vocals for intimate moments and for relaxed evenings.

How many songs are on Swingin' for Schuur?

Swingin' for Schuur has 12 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Swingin' for Schuur

Diane Schuur · 2001

57 min · 12 tracks · jazz

An elegant blend of jazz standards infused with Diane Schuur's powerful vocals and rich emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Autumn Leaves — This track highlights Schuur's ability to convey deep emotion through nuanced phrasing and a delicate interpretation of the classic melody.
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Lush Life — With its complex harmonies, this song showcases Schuur's vocal range and her skillful navigation of intricate lyrical themes.
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Just One of Those Things — Schuur’s vibrant energy brings a fresh perspective to this standard, making it an engaging opener that sets the tone for the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal performances and arrangements of jazz standards, balancing variety and emotional depth.

What we noticed

Each track features a prominent piano arrangement that complements Schuur's vocal lines, creating a rich harmonic backdrop.
The album opens with an upbeat tempo on the first two tracks, then transitions to slower ballads, maintaining a varied emotional landscape.
Schuur's vocals are consistently front and center, with minimal instrumental solos, emphasizing her interpretative style over improvisation.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 melodic journey throughout
lush vocals for intimate moments
for relaxed evenings
intricate arrangements to savor
romantic ambiance for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seekers of fast-paced tracks
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Swingin' for Schuur marked Diane Schuur's return to recording after a brief hiatus, following her previous album, 1999's 'Live in London'. By this time, she had established herself as a prominent figure in vocal jazz, known for her distinctive style and vocal prowess. This album further solidified her status within the genre while showcasing her ability to interpret classic songs.
Stylistic neighbors: Cassandra Wilson· Nina Simone· Patrice Rushen