Listening to jazz vocalist Deelee Dube is like enjoying comfort food. She knows what you like to hear and offers it up warm, with a touch of spice. Hearing her relaxed yet articulate delivery, it’s easy to understand why Dube is the first European to win the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Her singing is clear, controlled, and filled with nuance.
Deelee Dube’s latest single was “Cherokee,” and her most recent album is called Trying Times. It’s no surprise that this collection was largely recorded during the rough stretch of the pandemic. Even so, the songs remain upbeat, almost playing like a concept album. The title track “Tryin’ Times” is the opener, followed by a song about the need to keep persevering, “Still Trying.”
The effort pays off. Before the album concludes, we hear Dube sing about “Joy,” “Unity,” and she proclaims things “Thou Swell.” These numbers – old and new – remind us that “On a Clear Day,” you can see forever. Even this song, so associated with other singers, Deelee Dube makes her own. Speaking of fellow musicians, Chick Corea himself praised Dube’s interpretation of his “500 Miles High,” calling it “impressive!”
The singer is backed by the Juan Galiardo Trio. Galiardo is the pianist, and he arranged the 10 pieces. The rest of Dube’s accompanists include drummer Jose Luis Gomez, and Rafa Sibajas on acoustic bass. American guest Russell Malone adds fine electric guitar work on two selections. But it’s Deelee Dube’s warm vocals that are appropriately kept at the forefront.
Most of this singer’s gigs are in Europe, at least for now. In fact, it was at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London that my wife and I first heard Dube. The headliner had not yet arrived. Dube was not scheduled to perform but happily provided the audience with a wonderful three song set.
I was impressed then just as I am each time I play her recordings, which are available at various platforms and on vinyl and compact disc. I would love to see an extended performance by Deelee Dube, but for now must be content on these cold Midwestern nights by the comfort music that Dube’s voice offers.
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