Diana Panton: Soft Winds and Roses a Work of Art Sung with Passion

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Submitted by Dennis Russo on Fri, 11/15/2024 - 21:09

Soft Winds and Roses is the 11th album from internationally acclaimed Canadian jazz vocalist Diana Panton, whose impressive career has earned her multiple awards. A departure from her more recent projects, this album features songs from the 1960s onward, performed with a minimalist backing ensemble that complements her vocals beautifully. Guitarist Reg Schwager and multi-instrumentalist Don Thompson (on bass, piano, and vibes) provide a subtle yet rich sound, evoking the intimate atmosphere of a jazz club.

At first glance, the track list appears eclectic, featuring songs by iconic songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, Randy Newman, Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Leonard Cohen, Lennon and McCartney, and Gordon Lightfoot. I wondered how these tracks—many of which aren't traditionally associated with jazz—would translate into a jazz context. But I need not have worried. Diana Panton and her collaborators not only rise to the challenge but exceed expectations, transforming these songs with grace and style.

From the moment I pressed play, Diana's voice immediately captivated me. The clarity and focus of her performance were apparent from the first note. When she began singing Elton John and Bernie Taupin's "Your Song," I was utterly drawn in. Accompanied only by piano, Diana infuses this classic with such depth and passion that it feels entirely new, even though the song has been a staple of popular music for decades. The recording is so well done that it feels as though she's performing live in my living room. It's rare to hear a song I’ve listened to countless times sound so fresh and compelling, but Diana’s delivery makes it impossible to listen casually.

Next came “They Long to Be Close to You.” At first, I thought, “This is a tough one to pull off, especially with Karen Carpenter's iconic version looming large in my mind.” But Diana's interpretation blew me away. She starts the track with a gentle bossa nova rhythm, with vibes and guitar, and from there, the song takes on a completely new life. I never imagined this classic could work as a jazz piece, but Diana makes it her own in a way that is both surprising and delightful. Her version is equally as moving as Karen Carpenter's, albeit in a very different style. The recording is pristine—so clear that you can almost hear the space between the performers, which only enhances the intimacy of the performance.

As I continued listening, I found myself more and more captivated by each track. Often, when listening to an album from start to finish, I find my attention wandering, but not with Soft Winds and Roses. Diana’s voice keeps pulling me back in, holding my attention throughout the entire album. At times, I felt as though I were sitting at the best table in a cozy New York City jazz club—intimate, relaxed, and utterly enveloping.

Tracks like “A Wish (Valentine)” feature extended piano openings that are perfectly mic'd and played with delicate emotion, while Diana's vocal delivery is smooth and lilting—her soft, extended phrasing gave me chills. Even “How Deep Is Your Love”, a song often relegated to the disco era, is transformed here into a sophisticated jazz number, stripped of its former kitsch. With piano and guitar supporting her vocals, Diana reimagines this Bee Gees classic as if it were penned by Burt Bacharach, giving it a grace and depth I never expected.

Then, there's “Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye”. Diana opens this Leonard Cohen song a cappella, her voice unadorned and raw, before the guitar and piano enter. The guitar playing, in particular, is impeccable—each note is defined and crystal clear. The arrangement is so clean and precise that you almost feel as though you could reach out and touch it. This is a truly mesmerizing performance.

Overall, Soft Winds and Roses is an album that consistently delights, from start to finish. Diana’s voice is the star here, but it’s supported by stellar arrangements from Don Thompson, and expert mixing and mastering by Chad Irschick. The musicians backing her up are top-tier, and the arrangements frame her voice beautifully. The result is an album that feels like a work of art—a carefully crafted piece, worthy of its place in a museum.

If you’re already a fan of Diana Panton’s work, you know what to expect: a voice that moves and inspires, a sense of elegance and intimacy that’s hard to find elsewhere. If you’re new to her music, I wholeheartedly recommend diving in. You’ll not only enjoy the album, but you may just find yourself enamored with her voice and artistry. As Rick Blaine says in Casablanca, “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Diana Panton’s music has the power to enrich anyone’s life, and this album is a perfect example of why.

Soft Winds and Roses is a stunning showcase of Diana Panton’s vocal artistry and ability to breathe new life into timeless songs. It’s a joy for the senses, and a reminder that music, like all great art, has the power to move us in profound ways.