Diana Panton - I believe in Little Things (Remastered) (2019) [Hi-Res]

This is a captivating, charming, uplifting and optimistic album. Diana can sing quietly, with just a small backup group, with incredible control which can remind one of Peggy Lee. There's a lilt in her voice, so even the most contemplative and subdued song gets an optimistic treatment. Her voice and smooth jazz stylings in her usual adult contemporary style are perfectly fitted for what essentially is an excellent primer for the young fry into the jazz genre; it’s calming, cheerful, whimsical and fun without being twee or cloying.

For those of you not familiar with Ms. Panton or her work, she is one of Canada's best recognized contemporary jazz singers with a great popularity in Asia, particularly Japan, Europe and an ever-growing audience in the USA. This album was voted in the Canadian press as the ‘best new album in a year’.

"Voted in the Canadian press as the best new album in a year and already standing at the top of music charts throughout Asia, this is the ninth recording in this singer's career that has earned her many plaudits both in North America and the far east since Hher arrival on the scene in 2005. On this occasion she has aimed the repertoire at a younger audience, some perhaps who are just beginning to find their way into jazz influenced music for the first time. From a more mature listeners point of view she possesses a voice that falls very much into the "marmite" category, ie you either love it or otherwise. The best yardstick being that if you fell under the spell of Blossom Dearie you are very likely to be captivated by the content and delivery here.

I find the concept of the album captivating, charming, uplifting and optimistic . Taken as a whole the fourteen tracks give a very rounded view of life, and after a few playings you realise that there is a clear story that emerges, just as the artist intended. The musical content is taken mostly from films and stage productions and include such numbers as "Pure Imagination", "When You Wish Upon a Star" and "Hushabye Mountain" all performed with faultless diction over the fine backdrop of the jazz trio. There appears to be some multi tracking that enhances the overall sound of the instrumentalists but this does not take away from the musical performance which includes an outstanding contribution from cellist Coenraad Bloemendal." (Jim Burlong, Jazzviews)

Diana Pantaon, vocals
Don Thompson, bass, piano, vibes
Reg Schwager, guitar
Coenraad Bloemendal, cello

Digitally remastered