NEA Jazz Master and singer Dianne Reeves has been on world-wide tour lately, wowing audiences wherever she performs.
Her next gig back in the U.S. is on November 23 at NJPAC. Reeves joins fellow iconic singers Philip Bailey (Earth, Wind & Fire) and Ms. Lisa Fischer and the Christian McBride Big Band for a special event that's part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival.
Dianne Reeves spoke to WBGO's Doug Doyle before she headed out on her tour to Korea, Japan, China and London.
"I just love going and being in other cultures and experiencing life as much as I possibly can in the short amount of time we have to spend with other people, but I'm already surprised and grateful that we come there and people are right there ready to hear what we have to say."
Reeves says she's really looking forward to the NJPAC concert and another opportunity to work with friends for a concert curated by bassist Christian McBride.
"Christian knows people's stories. He knows their artistry. He's knows what they are capable of, and he is masterful at being able to put elements within the music that allow everybody to be totally comfortable and to be able to create with each other. He knows I know Philip and Ms. Lisa. He's at the center of things. He's really good at that."
Playing at the TD James Moody Jazz Festival is also special for Dianne.
"He (James Moody) had that wonderment and joy. Everywhere he went he spread it. I had the opportunity to work with him in the early 90's with the Philip Morris Big Band. I don't even think there were words to describe. He was so much fun."
You can SEE the entire interview with Dianne Reeves here.
