lunes, 26 de octubre de 2009

Diana KRALL - Stepping Out 1993


Diana KRALL - Stepping Out 1993

Jazz

For years singer-pianist Diana Krall has been bringing new lifeblood to jazz via her dual knockout talents. And while her later recordings reveal a consistently maturing artist, this 1992 debut album shows that the Nanaimo, British Columbia, native had the goods right from the get-go. In her mid-20s here, Krall sings with honesty, subtlety, and persuasion while playing the piano with head-shaking authority, both as accompanist--she offers amazing asides in between vocal phrases--and as an absolutely A-one improviser. Indeed, it is remarkable to hear her weave her gifts into a wondrous whole. Working with bass ace John Clayton and the superb drummer Jeff Hamilton, Krall presents one winner after another. "This Can't Be Love" is typical, a selection where it is all but impossible not to tap your foot. After a nicely enunciated vocal--she slides into phrases much like Sarah Vaugh--the pianist cooks in her Oscar Peterson-meets-Gene Harris style, playing hip ideas that fall easily on the ear, underwritten by her rock-solid feel for time. "As Long as I Live" is another example of Krall's ability to sing and swing a standard with a nonstop groove. "Straighten Up and Fly Right" is slower and features a deeply bluesy vocal; "I'm Just a Lucky So and So" is equally sultry. The classic ballad "Body and Soul" finds her singing with intimacy and playing with a caressing touch. A very impressive start for a very impressive artist.
By Zan Stewart.
**
This is a great CD: vintage Diana Krall before the marketing folks at GRP Records got ahold of her career. Unlike her three most recent albums of "easy listening" music, which see her talents as a jazz singer and pianist well hidden, this album swings! Unlike the overly-breathy sultriness of recent efforts, her singing style here is strong and effortless, reminiscent of Shirley Horn or Rosemary Clooney. Her playing, even at this early stage of her career, is melodic and complementary to her vocal phrasing. I owned the original release when it came out in '93, and just bought this remastered edition, which is well worth it. The sound quality was already just fine, but this new version is better yet, with increased detail and soundstage. Best of all, there is a bonus track, which was omitted from the original release, and is a real treat for a longtime Diana fan. After the disappointing schmaltz of Love Scenes and The Look of Love, it was exhilarating to hear a new track of Ms. Krall singing and swinging again!!
By Trent Canuck.
**
STEPPIN' OUT was singer Diana Krall's first released session, recorded in 1992. Jazz singing aside, what most attracts listeners at first are Krall's prodigious piano chops. A former student of legendary pianist Jimmy Rowles, Krall is eager ...    Full Descriptionto show her stuff here, making this release as much an instrumentalist's debut as a vocalist's. Unlike just about every other new pianist, Krall doesn't go in for the murky chromatic maelstroms that currently pass for improvisation. She's an unpretentious traditionalist with a big funky sound and splashy dynamics worthy of Erroll Garner and Red Garland. Check out instrumentals "Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea" and "Big Foot" for thoroughly hard swinging of the old school.

Of course Diana Krall has since made a name as one of our better jazz singers. The simplicity and taste marking her piano playing also characterize Krall's approach to singing. And the bluesy spare attack she employs leaves plenty of room for the liquid piano accompaniment to fill up. She's also fond of bending a phrase or two, but doesn't overdo it like many neophyte jazz singers. Most of all she sounds honest, a rarity in a young artist performing in such a classic style.

The esteemd Canadian jazz pianist's 1993 debut album, hersole release before signing to GRP in the U.S. 'SteppingOut' features John Clayton on bass, Jeff Hamilton on drums and Krall both singing & playing the piano. The 11 tracks consist of both originals & covers, including 'This Can't Be Love', 'Straighten Up And Fly Right', 'Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea' and 'I'm Just A Lucky So And So'.
Deleted in the U.S.! 1993 release.
From CD Universe.
**
Diana Krall (Vocals, Piano);
John Clayton (Bass);
Jeff Hamilton (Drums).
**
01. This Can't Be Love
02. Straighten Up And Fly Right
03. Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
04. I'm Just a Lucky So And So
05. Body And Soul
06. 42nd Street
07. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me
08. Big Foot
09. Frim Fram Sauce
10. Jimmie
11. As Long As I Live
12. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
**
NoPassword
*
DLink
*

No hay comentarios:

Publicar un comentario