The Calling: Celebrating Sarah Vaughan
Dianne Reeves · 2001
65 min · 11 tracks · contemporary R&B
A soulful tribute blending jazz standards with rich vocal improvisation, capturing the essence of Sarah Vaughan's legacy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lullaby of Birdland — This opening track showcases Reeves' ability to blend intricate vocal runs with the playful melody, establishing the album’s celebratory tone from the start.
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I Remember Sarah — A poignant homage that captures both reverence and personal reflection, allowing Reeves to embody Vaughan's spirit through heartfelt interpretation.
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Embraceable You — Reeves transforms this classic into a lush ballad filled with emotional depth, demonstrating her vocal range and interpretive skills.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Dianne Reeves blends jazz standards with her unique vocal style, creating a tribute that resonates with both tradition and modernity.
What we noticed
- Several tracks include extended instrumental sections that allow for dynamic interplay between the vocals and accompanying musicians.
- The arrangement of 'Lullaby of Birdland' incorporates a slow build-up, contrasting with the more upbeat tempo of 'Fascinating Rhythm'.
- The final track, 'A Chamada (The Call)', serves as a reflective conclusion, slowing down the pace significantly compared to earlier songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- soulful vocal improvisation moments
- rich emotional connection throughout
- captivating tribute to legacy
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer upbeat party energy
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2001, Dianne Reeves was at a pivotal moment in her career, having just won a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album for 'Feeling Good' in 2000. 'The Calling: Celebrating Sarah Vaughan' served as her homage to the legendary vocalist, showcasing her artistry while solidifying Reeves' status in the contemporary jazz scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Cassandra Wilson· Esperanza Spalding· Lizz Wright
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I Remember Sarah
The narrative shifts from nostalgia to celebration as melodies intertwine with reflective lyrics about Vaughan's impact on music.
This shift in focus allows the song to transition from mere remembrance to an uplifting tribute, emphasizing both loss and legacy.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lullaby of Birdland 4:44
- 2 Send in the Clowns 6:03
- 3 Speak Low 6:26
- 4 Obsession 7:37
- 5 If You Could See Me Now 6:44
- 6 I Remember Sarah 4:20
- 7 Key Largo 4:11
- 8 I Hadn't Anyone Till You 5:41
- 9 Fascinating Rhythm 5:24
- 10 Embraceable You 7:56
- 11 A Chamada (The Call) 6:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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