| Jazz |
In the biography of this all-female orchestra, one can read: “Since their first performance 30 years ago, DIVA has traveled the world to critical and popular acclaim. Among the highlights of their performances are Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Center, Dizzy’s Club, concert halls in St. Louis, Philadelphia, and Cleveland, as well as the Hollywood Bowl. Their international appearances include Le Meridien Hotel in Paris, France; Teatro de Sistina in Rome, Italy; Berlin Jazz Festival in Germany; Salzburg Music Festival in Austria; Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland; International Jazz Festivals in Montreal and Ottawa, Canada; Bogota International Jazz Festival in Colombia; Jamaica Jazz Festival; Zagreb Jazz Festival in Croatia; and Pori Jazz Festival in Finland.”
If you’re looking for originality in this group, you may be disappointed as their compositions are well-known (Bernstein, Artie Butler, Duke Ellington), etc… The arrangements were all originally commissioned arrangements, and they play all compositions with skill, passion, and enthusiasm. It seems that above all, this group’s mission is to entertain you and bring you joy, and in that regard, there’s no reason to complain; it’s even refreshing.
We particularly appreciate that this album is a “live” recording, adding the necessary spectacle to this type of performance. You’ll take genuine pleasure in rediscovering songs you already know in this unique energy. And since the musicians are excellent, you’ll find some nice drum solos or other highlights here and there, along with audience reactions. On the drums, by the way, it’s Sherrie Maricle, who also leads the group and is the one you hear introducing various artists at the end of some tracks.
So, if you’re a fan of cover songs, this album is made for you. However, you won’t hear it on Bayou Blue Radio simply because it doesn’t fit our programming criteria. Please don’t interpret this as a disapproval of the album. If it were to be played live near us, we’d be the first ones to attend, knowing that we’ll have a great time. It’s another editorial favorite of Bayou Blue Radio and Paris-Move.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, September 4th 2023
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