Twincities.com : Diana Krall struts distinctive bebop

[Rémi]

Posted on Thu, Aug. 12, 2004

Diana Krall struts distinctive bebop

BY ROB HUBBARD
Pioneer Press


Diana Krall felt at home on Wednesday night, and it showed.

"I'm from British Columbia, and this kind of weather inspires me," she said.

But Krall seemed at home at Northrop Auditorium in more than one respect. After a couple of studio albums of string-laden pop standards that didn't play to her strengths — but put her on top of the pop charts — Krall is back playing her first love, bebop-flavored jazz, in the company of a quartet.

"I'm in my element," she said on Wednesday, and judging from her passionate performance, few among the more than 3,300 in attendance could doubt it.

Casting aside the gowns, pumps and posturing of a model that graced the album art on "The Look of Love," Krall performed in jeans and a big-sleeved blouse. But she's cast off other burdens from that album, like sleepy arrangements and leaden tempos. On this night, Krall was far more interested in the jazz that inspired her and filled all of her albums before her label tried to transform her into a come-hither chanteuse.

Krall spent the evening delving into the exhilaration and abandon that small-group jazz can offer, concentrating on her role as pianist above all else, but nonetheless showing off her chops as a singer, as well.

And make no mistake: Krall is a jazz singer. She served notice throughout the concert that playing the standards straight was not her cup of java. Her delivery is always a little this side of the beat or that, be she rapidly flying through "Devil May Care" or sliding in and out of rhythm on "I Don't Know Enough About You."

But some of the best moments came when she found the jazz within more contemporary fare like Mose Allison's swampy blues, "Stop This World," or one of the show's standouts, a cover of Tom Waits' "Temptation" far more faithful to Waits' eccentric spirit than you'd expect from a chart topper, right down to a vocal sung through cupped hands and a solo on which Krall manipulated the strings inside the piano.

As the evening went on, Krall seemed increasingly comfortable, skittering across the ivories and trading fours with the rest of the first-rate foursome. Each member of the group shone throughout, but guitarist Anthony Wilson was a consistent standout from the time he established the modern flavor of the night with tasteful dissonances on the instrumental opener.

Above all, Wednesday's concert reminded one of the largest crowds to see a jazz show in the Twin Cities in quite some time that this is music full of energy and excitement. And Krall proved an ideal ambassador for the genre.

Source: St Paul Pioneer Press

[Blaine]

I agree, I was at this show. 9th row, great spot!

Most of what Rob says is true, except the part about the label pushing her to be what she's not. We all know the truth here...no reason to rehash that.

What he failed to mention was the warm up band. They were great too. Two sweet shows that really stood on their own. Very very nice people too. They opened themselves up at the end of the show signing/meet and greet in the lobby. Amy's vocal work was outstanding (lead singer that did "Soul of a man"...blind willie johnson).

I will not be providing much more of a review since Rob's is posted here and hits the nail on the head for the most part. I cannot underscore enough, the passion and skill that this quartet displayed.

Peter Erskine is a show in and of himself without overshadowing others. His eyes are riveting, and he never never misses a cue/handoff, and is better at giving them. Great lesson. . .

Antony Wilson changed gear! (I'm starting a new post on that, check it out if you are interested...)

Departure bay was very emotional. Many wept with emotion, including me, and I don't know this for sure, but after that tune, Diana and Anthony embraced. It was very emotional as I said...

Overall, we laughed, we cried, we cheered. A very appreciative audience and band (s).

By far the best DK show I've taken in (this was my 5th since 1997/98ish). So I don't say that lightly. And it was the best live show I've ever witnessed, again, I don't say that lightly either.

Get tickets, go see it is the only advice I can offer. Take it in for yourself.

Later,

Blaine.

[Coda]

Blaine: Sounds as if you thoroughly enjoyed the concert. That's great! It's one week to wait for me, to see Diana at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. I would love to get autographs, but the stage door at the Fox is fenced in like a fortress, so unless there's a signing event, I doubt if I can.