Never Too Far

Any vocalist whose album release parties are held at Le Dome on Sunset Strip has got to be a class act, and R&B/jazz song stylist Reeves is certainly that. Helped along by the marvelous texturing skills of producer George Duke and the rhythms of such jazz heavies as Kirk Whalum, Luis Conte, Abe Laboriel, and Stanley Clarke, Reeves shows a grand affinity for a wide range of stylings. Her gospel side is brought out by a choir featuring Phil Perry and Philip Bailey on the feel good title cut, while Conte's snazzy percussion brings out the South African rhythms on the brassy "Fumilayo" and "Eyes on the Prize," on which Duke shows considerable aplomb with the synclavier horns. Duke also infuses some funk in the danceable "Hello (Haven't I Seen You Before)," which features backing vocals by Take 6. Best tunes are the safest ones, though — the sweet torch ballads "More to Love," "We Belong Together," and the tearjerker "Company," which was co-written by Rickie Lee Jones. Tasty stuff, but how does Reeves sing? Powerfuly, with an emotional voice that commands your attention but doesn't feel the need to overpower. Never Too Far may be classified as an R&B album, but Reeves has the voice and soul of a true jazz diva.