Diana Krall will record new dvd "Live in Rio"

[Bud]

Here's the official Eagle Rock Entertainment site for Live in Rio:

http://www.eagle-rock.com/eaglerockUSA/ ... ia_id=1006

It includes this nifty promotional video, too! http://www.eagle-rock.com/eaglerock/vid ... RioEPK.mov

[Samuel]

The track list with one little add (comparing the one posted before):

1. I Love Being Here With You
2. Let's Fall In Love
3. Where Or When
4. Too Marvellous For Words
5. I've Grown Accustomed To His Face
6. Walk On By
7. Frim Fram Sauce
8. Cheek To Cheek
9. You're My Thrill
10. Let's Face The Music And Dance
11. Every Time We Say Goodbye
12. So Nice
13. Quiet Nights
14. Este Seu Olhar
15. Boy From Ipanema
16. I Don't Know Enough About You
17. 'S Wonderful
18. Exactly Like You

Diana's rhythm section (John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, Anthony Wilson) is joined by Rio-born percussionist Paulinho da Costa and a local orchestra assembled by the São Paulo-based Maestro Ruriá Duprat, who conducted the original arrangements written by the German genius Claus Ogerman for the upcoming "Quiet Nights" CD (Verve), as well as some other scores previously penned by Ogerman and Johnny Mandel for other Krall albums.

From: http://jazzstation-oblogdearnaldodesout ... klist.html

[Bud]

Given that Live in Rio is going to be available in Blu-ray, maybe its time to step and get a player. Anyone there already??

[narrow daylight]

See a video of "Exactly Like You" here:
http://www.amazon.com/Live-Rio-Diana-Kr ... 087&sr=1-8

[Bud]

Thanks narrow daylight! Nice clip - looking forward to the rest later in May...

[shadesmcgee]

Bud, Blu-ray is definitely worth it! If you already have an LCD or Plasma t.v., blu-ray is a must to watch movies.

[Bud]

Thanks shadesmcgee!

I went plasma about a year and half ago so I have the gear. I think I'll buy a player soon so its not *too* obvious what the main reason is Not that I'm really going to fool anyone.

I'll probably buy Live in Rio as a concert souvenier since I'll be in York, PA the Saturday after its released...

[Bud]

Diana Krall: Live in Rio on Blu-ray Disc: Review By Brandon A. DuHamel

The author is not really a Diana fan, but I think he gives a fair review:

Diana Krall's vocal style -- deep, smoky, a little flat -- is admittedly not for everyone. She is far less palatable than some of the more crossover ready artists that have come along in her wake, such as Norah Jones or even the Billy Holiday imitator Madeline Peyroux, but unlike Jones, in particular, Krall is far more steeped in Jazz tradition than popular song. The closest she comes to Top 40 is being married to Elvis Costello.

http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/Diana ... Disc.shtml

[Andrea]

I'm courious..does enyone know what Barnes&Noble exlusive edition with 20 min extra footage contains?

http://video.barnesandnoble.com/DVD/Dia ... 213027798/

[Bud]

Can't find any more information. I'll definitely check it out and let you know on Tuesday!

[jazzygal karla]

Only reason we have a Blu-ray is because one family member went and bought a PS3. But we only have a CRT, so I haven't noticed any difference with Blu-ray movies vs. DVD.

[Andrea]

Can't find any more information. I'll definitely check it out and let you know on Tuesday!

Thanks Bud

[mapache61]

Thanks for the Barnes&Noble tip, Andrea. Near my house, I have a B&N (yuck) and BestBuy (double yuck) next door to each other, so I'll check out both before purchasing.

A friend of mine has a high-def tv with blu-ray. He showed me the Rolling Stones/Scorsese concert movie, and the picture/sound blew me away. I say go for it, Bud. Especially since Rio was shot with high-def cameras.

[narrow daylight]

http://blogcritics.org/music/article/bl ... ana-krall/

Blu-ray Music Review: Diana Krall - Live In Rio

Krall's latest video, Live In Rio, finds the jazz singer/pianist soaking up all things Brazil, largely as a video counterpart to her latest studio album, the bossa nova-inspired Quiet Nights. Her four-piece band - including John Clayton on upright bass, Jeff Hamilton on drums and Anthony Wilson on guitar - is joined by percussionist Paulinho DeCosta, as well as the Rio De Janeiro Orchestra, as they run through the bulk of her latest record, choice cuts from her catalog and a couple of new surprises as well.

The Concert

Don't be fooled by the upbeat jam of the opener, "I Love Being Here With You." This concert is, for the most part, a laid-back and chilled affair. Although not as resolutely slow as the whole of Quiet Nights, Live In Rio definitely leans in that direction, borrowing almost the entire album for the bulk of its set list. The band does a nice job of injecting just enough energy into the rest of the spaces to keep things above the threshold of somnolent reverie. However, this laid-back approach is also a strength, delivering a consistently vibey air as the soundtrack to a romantic outing.

The performances are consistently strong, although Diana herself seems more comfortable behind the piano than interacting with the audience. Things are better when the music flows naturally from song to song, and more forced when setting up and explaining them. Although a couple of songs don't find Diana's voice at her best, the generous length of the concert makes that forgivable.

Audio/Video

The video presentation suffers a bit on this release, and its mainly due to the inconsistency of shots. First off, an abundant amount of grain is evident in the low-light shots of the hall. Things fare better on stage, where focal points of Diana and the band are generously lit with spots. But even then, quality varies depending on camera angles. Some angles present very clear and detailed shots, while others can be slightly off in color balance or have a more soft focus. The main point with any concert recording is the audio, and the video should mainly not distract. But Live In Rio's inconsistent presentation teeters on the edge, although eventually landing back on the acceptable side.

The audio, thankfully, is much more successful. It helps that Diana has a band of ace musicians, and their performances are delivered, for the most part, with sonic clarity thanks to the DTS-HD Master Audio track. The surround sound experience is very well done, with piano and acoustic guitar tracks featuring prominently in the entire sound field. It is a captivating and immersing music mix, again helped along by exceptional musicianship. The only complaint with the mix is a tendency to muddy the low end in spots. Generally it doesn't come across as a huge issue, but during some of John Clayton's more exposed solos, it would have benefited more from a cleaner punch to the low end of the mix.

Bonus Materials

The main bonus feature, and exclusive to the Blu-ray release, is "The Rooftop Sessions" (HD, 13:57) a four-song acoustic set performed stripped-back and casual in the corner of a top-floor, scenic hotel lounge. Consisting of Diana accompanied by her guitar player and percussionist, the trio run through "The Boy From Ipanema," "Too Marvelous For Words," "Cheek To Cheek," and "Quiet Nights" in an informal setting, amidst the casual atmosphere of patrons relaxing with some drinks. It's a nice, intimate glimpse at the musicians having fun with the songs without the pressure of performance, but also doesn't have a lot of replay value. However, it feels like a unique look at genuine artistry that more videos might do well to emulate.


There is also a nice interview feature with Diana and her band, entitled "Quiet Conversations" (HD, 19:21). It focuses both on her inspiration from and performance in Brazil, as well as the work on her latest record. It's an enjoyable and relaxed look at their thoughts on the music, and all involved are candid and well spoken. Finally, there is a music video of sorts for "The Boy From Ipanema" (HD, 4:58), which feels a bit like a quick, last-minute addition. The footage is very digital video in nature - instead of something more filmic for a traditional music video - and is comprised mostly of b-roll scenes from the beach in Rio, with only a few brief shots of Diana.

Conclusion

Live In Rio is a successful and admirable live performance video. Featuring a top-notch performance and nice bonus materials, the Blu-ray release succeeds in providing compelling content. On a technical level, the video release is average, if underwhelming in some areas. But the pros should more than outweigh the cons for fans of this sultry chanteuse.

[mapache61]

Went to Barnes & Noble today and picked up the DVD. The "B&N Exclusive" edition comes with a "Bonus DVD with 4 additional live performances." The bonus tunes aren't listed anywhere on the box or in the booklet, so I assume this is the "Rooftop Sessions" that the review (posted by narrowdaylight) says is exclusive to the BluRay edition.

I haven't watched it yet. Anyone else?

[mapache61]

Barnes & Noble "Bonus" dvd contents:
1. Look of Love, from Live In Paris
2. A Case of You, from Live in Paris
3. Boy From Ipanema, Rio rooftop session
4. Too Marvelous For Words, Rio rooftop session

Where are "Cheek to Cheek" and "Quiet Nights", as cited in the review above? The "bonus" is two songs we already have, and only half of this great rooftop session? Let me be the first to say "F-U!" to Barnes & Noble. I've always disliked what the WalMart-of-books has done to independent stores. Now, I just plain HATE them. You're dead to me, B&N.

That said, this is a wonderful dvd. Beautiful performance. The 5.1 audio, the camera work, the editing -- all tip-top. So much better than the Montreal dvd, which I love. In league with Live In Paris? Oui.

[Bud]

Hey mapache61 - I agree, Live in Rio is better than Live in Montreal and on a par Live in Paris.

I was disappointed with the B&N bonus too - wanted more of those great rooftop sessions, not LiP rehashes. I'm under the impression that the four rooftop session bonus is related to the Blu-ray release, but I'm not positive. I'm amused that people could just be walking around drinking and talking while Diana, Jeff, and Anthony are playing around

I haven't been able to sit down and watch/listen to the whole DVD yet. Should finish up tonight after work!

[mapache61]

Bud wrote: "I'm amused that people could just be walking around drinking and talking while Diana, Jeff, and Anthony are playing around"

Yeah, crazy. I love it. You gotta wonder what this BluRay reviewer is smoking (certainly not what I've got) when he says the rooftop session "doesn't have a lot of replay value." I replayed it three times.

However, I do agree whith him on this:
"during some of John Clayton's more exposed solos, it would have benefited more from a cleaner punch to the low end of the mix."

I noticed this right off the bat. Maybe it's just the way I have my system set, but the first thing I thought was "Man, the bass is muddy."

Calling Samuel from Brazil! Were you at this Rio concert? If so, I'm very jealous.

[Samuel]

I'm really slow with these forum (sorry)

Hi "mapache61",
I'd like to see you jealous, but I was not there (Rio Concert).. only my thoughts

Anyhow 'Live in Rio' was a a well done job (with or without me watching there)

[Andrea]

Amazon.co.uk have 2-disc edition in preorder
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Diana-Krall-Liv ... 907&sr=1-3

I hate this way of handling various editions