Description
Solstice/equinox is an exquisitely crafted jewel of an album whose multiple facets enchant the listener. As Diana's pristine voice lures us to follow her through the changing seasons, she takes us on a journey through time and space echoing both the ephemeral and enduring qualities of the cycles of love and life.
Once again, Diana's repertoire selection is masterful and Don Thompson's superior arrangements provide luxurious wrapping for Diana's jeweled tones. Equally impressive is the diamond-quality soloing throughout this album. Saxophonist extraordinaire Phil Dwyer (Order of Canada) is featured on soprano sax in spring and later returns on tenor in autumn. Guido Basso's (Order of Canada) liquid flugel and playful trumpet are featured in summer and winter. Don Thompson (Order of Canada) provides lyrical accompaniment on piano, vibes and bass throughout, along with the exemplary guitar work of Reg Schwager (four-time National Jazz Award Winner).
The album went to #1 on the HMV Jazz Chart in Hong Kong, as well as Taiwan's Books.com and Eslite where it ranked #2 in year-end sales for 2017. It was also voted one of the Top Albums of 2017 by ICI Musique. In 2018, the album was an Editor's Pick in DownBeat Magazine and in 2019, solstice/equinox was a nominee for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year at the JUNOs.
