So here we go - her new album "Quiet Nights" arrived from Amazon today.
As the title suggests, this is a very soft album with an eclectic, mostly lackluster set of chestnuts (gee that was fun to write).
According to the official blurb site:
"...The romantic album combines Brazilian and west coast jazz styles and features three recordings of songs by bossa nova legend Antonio Carlos Jobim.
'Quiet Nights' reunites Krall with arranger Claus Ogerman for the first time since the multi-platinum 2001 album 'The Look of Love.' The GRAMMY Award winning pianist and vocalist adds Paulinho Da Costa on percussion to her already outstanding quartet of Anthony Wilson (guitar), John Clayton (bass) and Jeff Hamilton (drums).
[ED NOTE this is the Live In Paris crew]
Krall co-produced the album with Tommy LiPuma, the tenth time they have worked together, and returned to Capital Studios in Hollywood with Al Schmitt engineering and mixing..."
She is much more the vocalist, a little bit off the mike, a bit breathier, staying in a tighter range. There are lots of phat strings in the best Nelson Riddle tradition. Her piano is much more of an accompaniment then a featured solo instrument.
The phrasings, timing and sensibilities you expect of her and her crew are all there - just constrained within a very tight range. Production of course is first rate.
All in all very grown up, very pretty and very sleepy. Certainly not the jazziest thing that has ever found its way on to my hard drive.
If you are a Diana fan go listen to samples. If you have not gotten into her - start anywhere but here.
