New Diana Krall album

[vintage_tube]

Just played this again & my overall take on it is once again to say she is an extremely talented pianist & singer as her fans know. I'm a big DK fan -- don't play her stuff as much as I used to -- but do go to her discography often enough.

However, her voice is getting raspy and rough -- especially noticeable on "Sway."

Best sirs,

Bob

[Wgarcia]

I've been Krall fan since her early stuff and this album on vinyl simply sounds amazing (a Barnes and Noble purchase…maybe the lowest surface noise of any vinyl I own). I've worked with a lot of major jazz players as a live sound tech (OK…soundman…there I said it), including Russell Malone, and I have a lot of respect for the chops, restraint, and taste of the serious pros, which is always evident on Krall's albums. Her singing seems exactly right for this set so I'm surprised anybody has an issue with that as she seems utterly in control of her smokey voice…great album. I like the blank side as I can listen to it when I want some quiet time.

[audioguy3107]

I like her new album much better than Glad Rag Doll, sonics are much better too, the vinyl is very quiet and sounds superb.

- Buck

[aardvarkbark]

I tried listening to this for a third time this evening. Just doesn't cut it, so it's in the box to take to Half Price Books (mine is CD, not vinyl). Sonics are great, but I find it to be too melancholy and boring. I really like her more upbeat stuff with larger bands.

[Jerome W]

Diana Krall changed ?
Of course. We all change. Nothing remains the same.
Not sure if her voice changed so much or rather her way to sing.
I found the album to be very relaxing.

[aardvarkbark]

This is indeed deeply relaxing. I'd request it if I were having a root canal.

I wonder if she has truly changed or just has different styles (which I consider to be the mark of a talented artist). I'd be curious to know if in live shows, there's a blend, or if the entire playlist is now in this style.

I like Keith Jarrett when he's playing with the trio (plus Bach and Handel), but not when he does his lengthy improvisational solos. Similarly, I like Chick Corea when he plays duets with Gary Burton or his trio band, but don't care for anything by Return to Forever.

[quinlanmw]

I've had a theory for some time now that Diana Krall simply lost confidence in her voice. She never had vocal training and I think never sang in public until she was in her 20s, but she made up for it early on with her supreme talent on the piano and her enthusiasm for the swinging jazz style she clearly loves and excels at.

My guess is that too many extended recording sessions with sound engineers unwilling to accept off key notes are what led her to the whispery and soft technique of singing. This allows far more room for error but can sound insipid and uninspiring to the listener.

I think when performing live she feels free of the constraints of the recording studio and throws caution to the wind. I think she feeds off the audience's enthusiasm and shared love of the genre and sings with joy, which to my ears comes through clearly on her earlier recordings.

[miketuason]

Some says DK has this seductive bedroom voice.

[Formerly YB-2]

Unfortunately, DianaK, NorahJ and other female singers seem to have fallen in the trap of everything sounding the same these days. Even the artists with husky/seductive (or whatever) voice, etc.

[jdandy]

Diana Krall has never sounded better singing than on her Live In Paris concert recorded at Paris's Olympia in November 2001. I have the CD and the Blu-ray DVD. Excellent.