Diana Krall has drawn a lot of attention since she arrived on the scene years ago – and “a lot” might be an understatement in modern jazz terms. All of her albums have a tendency to sell particularly well, again, as far as jazz albums sell these days, and her concert ticket sales follow suit.
Personally, I don’t go crazy when I hear Diana Krall sing. That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy her, because I do. But I don’t really get hyped up when she gets played on the radio, and I only own one of her CD’s in my extensive jazz collection.
The album I do own is her 2002 release Live in Paris. Certainly a case can be made quite often that artists bring more energy and life to the table in a live performance than they do when they offer a studio recording. In this case, I would die for Diana Krall to bring the life and energy she brought to The Paris Olympia for those four nights in late 2001 to her studio sessions.
She demonstrates all of her talents in this live recording that she does in her studio recordings, but you just get the feeling that the crowd brought an additional spirit to her. Her up tempo tunes are exciting and lively, and it sound like she is having fun, which is an impression you may not always get on her other albums.
We see and hear this kind of fun, life, and energy in the opening track, I Love Being Here with You (see video):
Between the opening number and the encore, Krall shows off a variety of talents and techniques, but it is the encore number in my mind that steals the show. Her version of Joni Mitchell’s A Case of You is maybe the most haunting and emotional song that I have ever heard her sing (see video):
Also notable from this recording of Billy Joel’s Just the Way You Are, with great work from Christian McBride and Michael Brecker.
The entire album showcases the kind of emotion and feeling that Diana Krall is truly capable of, and is a must have for your collection. Not just a must have because I believe its her best, but a must have because it truly showcases so much of what Diana Krall is ultimately capable of. Again, while her studio albums are wonderful, I would love to see her bring this kind of energy and life into the recording studios.
I agree it is an incredible performance. Personally I never cared for her until I saw this and realized she’s a phenominal pianist. Made me see her in an entirely different light. The band is so cohesive, and to think she had only rehearsed with the drummer and basists for a week prior to the show. As I watched this – and I’ve watched it repeatedly – I realize what a talent she really is.
I have to say though – although I liked her rendition of A Case of You, it doesn’t compare to Joni Mitchell’s original recording. Musically, more complex, but Joni’s voice in those days was at its peak and Diana just doesn’t have the range.
Any student of jazz can learn much from this DVD — but especially the art of professionalism. All of the musicians show complete respect for each other on stage, even (especially) when the spotlight is on someone else. Bassist John Clayton enjoys Krall’s piano touches; drummer Jeff Hamilton and guitarist Anthony Wilson share moments of musical humor and insight; percussionist Paulinho da Costa revels in the atmosphere; and the orchestra members obviously enjoy their “front-row” seats even when they aren’t playing. Krall sets the tone, gracefully honoring her musical companions. The whole show exudes class without becoming maudlin.
It’s a world-class performance from top to bottom, and the DVD production is great. Would that all music programs were done this well!
Maybe Diana could stick with piano. Her vocals are mediocre most of the time. Non distinct, no great range, power or clarity. Kinda twangy. Maybe cause she’s blonde? I don’t get it. She’s OK as a singer, just OK. Maybe the Heineken of jazz singers. In my opinion.
As a professional pianist I love Diana Krall’s playing AND singing. I always have, with her studio albums as well, since I first saw her, opening for Oscar Peterson at the Hollywood Bowl in the 90’s.