CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist : Diana Krall
Album : Live In Paris (2002 Verve Records)
Tracks : 12 (11 live + 1 studio recording)
Artist website : www.dianakrall.com
OVERVIEW
If you like jazz with Diana Krall, this live album is a must have that catches Krall in Paris in late 2001. Her band is in top form on this record. I’ve got to say to my big surprise, this album has many more guitar moments than piano moments courtesy of guitarist, Anthony Wilson. There is definitely a pattern here; all the slow tempo songs are on the even numbered track numbers.
HIGHLIGHTS :
‘Deed I Do
The Look Of Love
East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)
Fly Me To The Moon
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – I Love Being Here With You
Right off the bat, Krall opens the record with an up tempo song. The band really shines here with Krall.
Track 2 – Let’s Fall In Love
This track is slower than the opener but it doesn’t lack anything in the performance. Krall’s fingers dance around the keys on this track and she gets to show just how well she’s mastered her craft.
Track 3 – ‘Deed I Do
Another up-tempo standard that sees Krall’s fingers dancing around her piano. Pure bliss for anyone who enjoys this style of jazz. The guitar solo is, in our opinion, a highlight.
Track 4 – The Look Of Love
Krall’s rendition of this song is soulful. It is a slow ballad here and almost latin jazz like, but not quite. Krall’s solo on this track got it on the highlights list.
Track 5 – East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)
This is a great mid-tempo rendition of a great standard. The bass solo is a bowed solo. Kudos to John Clayton for pulling that off.
Track 6 – I’ve Got You Under My Skin
One of the most covered standards, Krall’s take on an old favorite is well, not an instant classic but very good. Though we’re not completely sure why she took this song in such a slow tempo. Maybe because it’s been done faster so many times.
Track 7 – Devil May Care
At the onset of this track, we thought it could have been Chic Corea on the keys but no, it’s clearly Krall after the first few seconds are over. In keeping with the pattern of fast-slow-fast track order of the CD, this track is an up-tempo number. Again, the guitar solo is very masterful. We also get a drum solo on this track.
Track 8 – Maybe You’ll Be There
It’s a ballad. It was predictable given the pattern. Krall is trying to give her voice a chance to stand out here.
Track 9 – ‘S Wonderful
Breaking the pattern, we get a mid-tempo number here. In a latin style, this song make the listener want to move.
Track 10 – Fly Me to the Moon
One of the most popular standards of all time, Krall’s version of this song is surprisingly very much like every other rendition. Here the pattern to the rest of the album is broken again by another mid-tempo selection. She hasn’t changed anything about it. The solos are good. Anthony Wilson almost outshines Krall again.
Track 11 – A Case of You
This is a beautiful slow-tempo ballad rendition of this Joni Mitchell song. Krall’s voice is appropriate on this number. (Not that it isn’t on the other tracks. We just feel it fits here very well.) There is some real emotion in the vocal performance. Appropriately, it’s just Krall and her piano on this track.
Track 12 – Just the Way You Are
This is the only non-live track on this live album. Krall’s cover of this very popular Billy Joel song is very nice. It’s nice to see Krall tackle something that wasn’t written before or in the 50’s.