Dan Singer of In Tune International Magazine UK – October 2011
Deanna is delicate when she should be and forceful when it matters most – fresh as a singing daisey. There’s much to throw yourself into here.
A pair of Schwartz/Dietz songs can’t be bettered. The verse of “I See Your Face Before Me” just glows. The tenderness of their “Haunted Heart” should stay with you for quite some time. Her treatment of “Devil May Care” (Kirk/Dorough) is uptempo and uplifting. Ms. Reuben dazzles here and is wildly on key throughout. The title song (Noble) is almost still sung. Bob Meashey most ably helps out on the fluge/horn.
“Where Do You Start?” (Bergmans/Mandel) is a moody yet spellbinding musical treat. Deanna never lets us in a deep ingrossing beautiful cry for a romantic past most personal. It’s emotionally draining. One can’t go wrong with the pair of Duke Ellington songs: “Just Squeeze Me” (Gaines) and “I Didn’t Know Enough About You” (Russell). Both can’t be improved upon. There is so much more to wrap yourself into here in her third album. View article PDF
Jersey Jazz – September 2011
There are many singers out there who make albums that address the songs of the Great American Songbook. The Very Thought of You by Deanna Reuben is one of the better ones that I have heard recently. Reuben has a smooth an pleasant sound, straight ahead with a nice jazz feeling underneath. Pianist Marty Mellinger, bassist Steve Varner and drummer George Johnson form her basic support with guest appearances by the wonderful tenor saxophonist Larry McKenna, flugelhornist Bob Meashey, guitarist Paul Colombo and violinist Christopher Collins Lee.
The album is nicely paced with lovely ballad readings of songs like “Haunted Heart,” “Over the Rainbow” and “How Insensitive,” and easily swinging takes on tunes such as “Easy to Love” and “Devil May Care.” To close the program, Reuben sings “Cinema Paradiso” in Italian, accompanied only by the guitar of Colombo and the violin of Lee, and it is an interesting and daring, but effective way to close things out.
Midwest Records – June 2011
Deanna Reuben / The Very Thought of You: A classically trained singer that found her feet under her in jazz, Reuben knows how to work a classic and deliver a solid performance. Straight ahead jazz takes on American chestnuts, this set has more bite than the typical set of this ilk that is just trying to fit the format. With a smoking crew of Philly jazzbos behind her, everyone is working like a unit and the results are always top shelf. A dandy find for straight up jazz vocal fans that love a singer that knows how to work in service to the song.
Jazz Improv Magazine – May 2006
Deanna Reuben has been a presence in the eastern Pennsylvania and mid-Atlantic states for over thirty years. Yet, The Look of Love is her first recording. Better late than never. Now, the listeners who have been enjoying Reuben’s music all of these years can take the music home with them, so to speak. In addition, The Look of Love provides exposure for Reuben beyond her loyal cadre of listeners. In fact, anyone who enjoys romantic coverage of… read more »
AllAboutJazz.com
Deanna Reuben captures the essence of romance through her heartfelt interpretation of our favorite songs. The Look of Love sends a message clearer than flowers or a box of candy or dinner and a movie. With this session, you get clarion vocals with a stellar jazz quintet that sparkles brightly through sensual ballads and upbeat rhythms. Tenor saxophonist Larry McKenna serves as Reuben’s musical partner, adding rapturous melodies to her resonant vocal themes… read more »
“Deanna Reuben makes an instant emotional connection with her songs that it makes it hard not to be moved when she sings.” – Bob Collins, The Jazz Cafe, WRHU-FM
“She’s a great singer in my preferred style.” Jerry Atkins, KTXK-FM
“Deanna Reuben captures the essence of romance through her heartfelt interpretation of our favorite songs. “The Look of Love” sends a message clearer than flowers or a box of candy or dinner and a movie. With this session, you get clarion vocals with a stellar jazz quintet that sparkles brightly through sensual ballads and upbeat rhythms.” – Jim Santella, AllAboutJazz.com
