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. ~ Jonathan Widran