Diana Krall

Put me in the camp of "I don't get it". I don't understand why audiophiles are fascinated with her. I don't think she has a good classic voice. She just kind of - talks. But to each his own. Not my type of music either, except maybe as background music at a nice restaurant, but that's beside the point. I can appreciate great artists in unfavored genres, like Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. I just don't see it here. But then again, I don't get the audiophile fascination with screamers like Aretha Franklin or foggy vocals by Norah Jones either.

frogman
...  Imo, some audiophile/music lovers do not do a good enough job of separating the “ear-candy” appeal of some recordings from its intrinsic musical value when making an assessment of the recording’s or the artist’s musical merit.  DK’s recordings are generally very well recorded and in a way that appeals to the audiophile’s sensibilities.  Conversely, some artists whose recordings are generally not as “impressive” in the sonics department are sometimes bumped down a notch or two (or more) in spite of being on a considerably higher level of musicality.

Agree. Which is why I use a couple of songs I normally don't listen to for demoing speakers. Just to find what their potential is in case I get a phenomenal recording in the music I do listen to. And let's not lie ... it's to show off to curious guests also. How many of us love to see that expression on their faces and that familiar phrase "sounds like they're in the room".

However, these recordings must also be within my tolerance musically. I don't care how good it sounds, if it bores the crap out of me, I'm not playing it. All these audiophile soft jazz, easy listening selections fall into that category for me. Especially if they don't have a talent that stands out as virtuosic. But like I said, to each their own.

rpeluso OP
...Still I marvel that this post, initiated by me, was about a pleasant experience at a live concert event. Nothing more than that. BUT, I continue to be fascinated by the drive/urge/compulsion of some to crap all over others. And at times quite depressed by that same behavior.

I truly don’t get why you have a need for everyone to support you. A forum doesn’t work well if it’s just an echo chamber. If I had posted "I went to a Slayer concert" I would fully expect to have my musical choice lambasted on this forum and would not have a problem with that, as everyone has a subjective opinion about music. If you only want one-way discussion, maybe next time you should title your subject "xxx (no dissenters)". I read your thread because the audiophile obsession with Diana Krall (and others) fascinates me, as I don’t see a stand-out talent. I’m interested in what it is about her, besides the recording quality, that draws them in. I’m always hoping a dissenter will point out a quality recording of what I consider good female vocals.

I’m glad you had a wonderful time.

rpeluso OP
jssmith, might I suggest a disc by Anne Murray called Croonin’? From 1993. As an example of a quality recording of what I consider good female vocals, you might too?

Thanks. Not a big fan of her music, as I remember it growing up, but I’ll check it out. My current reference is Heart’s song Dream of the Archer, so I’m thinking something along those lines. I saw Ann Wilson perform it live in her prime when I was younger and her voice was astounding. But Little Queen is not a particularly special recording.

I’m waiting for a new doom metal release by Oceans of Slumber, due out March 2nd. If that is a great recording, the song The Banished Heart could become my reference for female vocals. But I’m not holding my breath.