Diana Ross – Diana Ross Live

Diana Ross – Diana Ross Live

A spectacular showcase for one of Motown's greatest voices, Diana Ross Live captures Diana Ross in concert with a set that moves effortlessly between classic Motown soul, sophisticated pop, Broadway, jazz and blues. Combining the unforgettable songs of The Supremes with dramatic interpretations of standards and material from the world of musical theatre, the album demonstrates Ross's evolution from Motown superstar to internationally acclaimed solo performer.

Following her hugely successful career with The Supremes, Diana Ross established herself as a major solo artist during the 1970s. Her live performances became increasingly theatrical, incorporating elaborate arrangements, choreography and carefully constructed sequences that allowed her to move beyond the traditional girl-group format and showcase her versatility as a performer.

The first side opens with an Overture before launching into the dramatic Broadway favourite Don't Rain On My Parade. Ross then moves into Big Mable Murphy and the inspirational Reach Out And Touch (Somebody's Hand), before revisiting a run of Supremes classics including Stop! In The Name Of Love, My World Is Empty Without You, Baby Love, I Hear A Symphony and the Motown anthem Ain't No Mountain High Enough.

This sequence provides a fascinating snapshot of Ross's career, taking songs originally recorded with The Supremes and transforming them into large-scale live performances. Ain't No Mountain High Enough, in particular, had already become one of Ross's signature solo songs following her celebrated 1970 recording, making its appearance here a natural concert highlight.

Side B takes a strikingly different direction, moving into jazz, Broadway and blues. Ross performs Corner Of The Sky and the beloved Sesame Street character song Being Green, before delivering a dramatic sequence of songs associated with Billie Holiday and the world of jazz and blues. I Loves Ya Porgy, Lady Sings The Blues, God Bless The Child, Good Morning Heartache, and T'ain't Nobody's Biziness If I Do showcase a more mature and theatrical side of Ross's vocal style.

The set closes with The Lady Is A Tramp and My Man, providing an appropriately dramatic finale to a performance built around Ross's commanding stage presence.

For fans of Diana Ross, The Supremes, Motown, classic soul, 1970s pop, Broadway and vintage live albums, Diana Ross Live is a fantastic addition to any collection. It demonstrates why Ross became one of the defining performers of her generation, combining the polished sound of Motown with the drama, glamour and ambition of a major live stage show.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Overture
2. Don't Rain On My Parade
3. Big Mable Murphy
4. Reach Out And Touch (Somebody's Hand)
5. Stop! In The Name Of Love
6. My World Is Empty Without You
7. Baby Love
8. I Hear A Symphony
9. Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Side B

1. Corner Of The Sky
2. Being Green
3. I Loves Ya Porgy
4. Lady Sings The Blues
5. God Bless The Child
6. Good Morning Heartache
7. T'ain't Nobody's Biziness If I Do
8. The Lady Is A Tramp
9. My Man