Multi-Grammy Award winning vocalist/pianist Diane Schuur fashions new versions of songs for which she has a deep-rooted affection. Running On Faith, released by Jazzheads Music Group is co-produced by Schuur and Grammy winning saxophonist Ernie Watts. This is her first release in six years with music by some of her heroes; from Miles Davis to Carole King to Paul Simon to Percy Mayfield...

Percy Mayfield’s 'Walking On A Tightrope' opens Running on Faith, setting the tone as Diane Schuur sings "the blues and I, we know each other." Schuur reprises her admiration for Dinah Washington, with a mournful 'This Bitter Earth,' and remembers her friend Ernestine Anderson who introduced her to the unifying lyrics of Miles Davis’ 'All Blues.' The upbeat 'Chicken,' her homage to Jaco Pastorius demonstrates the jazz chops of this album’s tight ensemble as does Schuur’s hard-swinging interpretation of Paul Simon’s 'Something So Right.' Her often-referenced fondness of classic rock is at the root of the title track, originally recorded by Eric Clapton. Introspection brought her to the McCartney/Lennon classic 'Let It Be' and Jeff Lynne’s 'The Sun Will Shine on You.' In contrast to prior recordings, Schuur performs on piano throughout, concluding the album with lone piano on the spiritual 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot.'

It all boils down to whether or not your a fan of Schuur's and/or jazz in general. It was interesting to see her take on a number of songs that most of us know very well.

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Nick Smithson