Diana Krall: Love Scenes

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: October 1, 1997

As a singer, she's been compared to Carmen McRae, Shirley Horn, Nat King Cole, and her teacher Jimmy Rowles. As a pianist she combines the swing of her earliest influence Fats Waller with that of Rowles and another of her teachers, Alan Broadbent. You can hear Broadbent's influence in the clearly-articulated right hand lines that speak volumes alongside the members of her trios. All four of her releases have been done with the basic trio concept, plus the addition of guests. Acoustic and drummerless, Krall's present trio provides the rhythm and mood to complement her rendering of a dozen tunes normally associated with romantic love; complete lyrics are provided in the liner booklet.

Russell Malone accompanied Krall on her last album, All For You, and they work quite well together. His solo work on each song shows flexibility and technical accuracy; the genuine blues guitar solo he takes on Percy Mayfield's "Lost Mind" is particularly invigorating. McBride provides the walking bass, yet remains lyrical. His opening for "My Love Is" sets the mood and then he continues to charm; it's a vocal-bass duo. "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You" is a vocal-guitar duo performed with passionate and intimate persuasion.

With her popularity soaring, taking top honors in polls, and appearing in television cameos, Diana Krall is taking her cool and detached vocal style to a very large audience. From the easily-recognized "Peel Me a Grape" and "All or Nothing at All" to the lesser-known "Garden in the Rain," Krall puts her personal touch on each item. Her sensitive and dramatic approach to Luis Bonfa's "Gentle Rain" offers more evidence that this is one singer-pianist who will continue to thrill audiences with her unique sound. Recommended.

Track Listing:

All or Nothing at All; Peel Me a Grape; I Don't Know Enough about You; I Miss You So; They Can't Take That Away from Me; Lost Mind; I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You; You're Getting to be a Habit with Me; Gentle Rain; How Deep is the Ocean; My Love Is; Garden in the Rain (55:18).

Personnel:

Diana Krall, piano & vocals; Russell Malone, guitar; Christian McBride, bass.

Record Label: Impulse!
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream