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37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Established, classic pieces given a breath of fresh air., 21 Jan 2003
First things first, if it weren't for the intermittent periods of audience ovation you'd swear this were a studio recording rather than a live one. The sound quality is excellent throughout while maintaining an all important live edge. In such a setting, Canadian jazz vocalist Diana Krall gives each song she performs room to breathe, allowing for some rather electrifying, virtuosic improvisation moments with her talented band. Throughout, the performances are some of Krall's most jazz-sounding yet, indicating she seems to really understand and feel jazz.As ever, choice of repertoire sees Krall taking the safe and familiar route, which you might argue is starting to make her sound somewhat 'established', yet never tedious. There is no need for concern. In ten years time if her albums sound like this there will be few complaints. Krall's voice - developed, adaptable and oh so finely tuned - is an extremely complementary lead to her band. In addition, her piano performances are nothing short of brilliant. The improvised sections flaunt Krall's great rhythmic and technical aptitude, while her solo introductory piano solo to "Devil May Care" reveals a keen grasp of restrained, subtle jazz. Moreover, she sings and plays piano at the same time, which adds to the overall shape, form and versatility of each piece. The most interesting thing about this album is the charm and spirit that Krall manages to inject into long-standing and endlessly covered songs. She makes them entirely her own. The improvised sections lend a hand to this also, making A Night In Paris sound remarkably fresh and new. In the gorgeously serene "Let's Fall In Love," Krall's seductive, sensuous voice smoothly graces the jazz harmonies, while tracks like "'Deed I Do" and "I Love Being Here With You" best suit the band's great rhythmic panache. Meanwhile, the Billy Joel-penned "Just The Way You Are" is a studio recording generously treated with Krall's sumptuous, subtle musicality. An album, then, that is well worth investigating. The entire concert sounds excellent and delivers jazz how it's intended - live.
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