DianaKrallfans.com

Singer/songwriter/pianist Diana Krall has taken a heap of unfounded criticism over the years from jazz snobs, jaded musicians and jealous singers – can’t play, can’t sing, too cool, too smooth, too white, to name a few. So, she doesn’t have Sarah Vaughan’s vocal range or Art Tatum’s piano chops – so what! Krall will never be as soulful as Nina Simone, or as bluesy as Ernestine Anderson (main influence), but her breathy, understated vocals work superbly with her spare, but swinging, piano accompaniment. She grew up in Vancouver, Canada listening to her father’s jazz records and received a piano scholarship to the prestigious Berklee School of Music. Krall didn’t even attempt vocals until her mid-twenties and more likely dreamed of being the next Oscar Peterson rather than a famous jazz singer.

Krall debuted her songwriting skills with the 2004 CD, The Girl in the Other Room. “I’ll Never be the Same” didn’t appear on this release, but showed up as a bonus track on the CD single – “Temptation.” Krall offers a haunting, stripped-down interpretation (like you’ve never heard her before) with mere piano and vocals. Sounding as if it was recorded in the “wee small hours” in just one take, images come to mind of a greasy haired Krall, sans makeup, in faded jeans and wrinkled tee. No breathiness this time, just sincere, emotionally direct singing with a slight hoarseness and occasional cracks. Her piano playing is perfectly paced with a leisurely swing, sparse chords and a playful Nat King Cole like solo. I shudder every time I listen.