Customer Reviews

Heartdrops: Vince Benedetti Meets Diana Krall

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's not often that the earliest available recording comes out after the most recent one. I'm glad this album is available because I simply can't get enough of the fabulous Ms. Krall. On the other hand, the early album is at a disadvantage in a review when its star has shown so brightly afterwards.

The recording is quality jazz fare in my view. I was surprised by the exceptional quality of the musicianship. I mean Benedetti was a cab driver at the time. And even at this early point in her career, Diana possesses an instrumental and vocal mastery. But I wonder if I'd heard this CD first if I'd taken much notice. I can't say either way --I've only had it a week.

I think the main difference between this and her later work is Diana's choice of songs. Her subsequent recordings were of maybe a more interesting collection of writings. On the other hand this is the only recording I've heard where Diana shares the vocals, harmonizing here with guitarist Martien Oster. That alone is worth checking out. And though I adore her trademark solo vocals, this union works nicely.

I'll admit I was skeptical about this "found" recording. I put off purchasing it for a long time even though it kept being 'suggested' by 'others who bought this CD also bought so-and-so'. Know what I mean? I wasn't sure what to expect--usually an unknown artist uses these types of sessions to slowly, methodically perfect their already god-given talents, knowing that the recording probably won't ever get a release date. Not in this case--the perfection was already there, recognized by Mr. Benedetti (rightly so) and captured in a sizzling studio session. Ms. Krall's voice is sparkling, not overproduced or overpowered by any other instrument or the occasional harmonies with another musician. Her piano playing is phenomenal, giving clues that the future was going to be bright for her.

This CD completes my library of Ms. Krall's work. I rate it with her latest release "Live in Paris" as tied for first, with all other releases tied for second (with the exception of the lushly overproduced "The Look of Love"- third place). If you've never bought a Diana Krall CD I wouldn't recommend buying this one first--you might be put off by the choice of material, as most selections are not 'mainstream'. I might suggest "Steppin' Out" or "All for You" as an introduction to Ms. Krall. "Live in Paris" should then be picked up--as I feel that this is when Ms. Krall is at her best - live. "Heartdrops" has that 'live' feeling to it, with the only criticism being that I wish there was more piano playing from Ms. Krall. The group is tight--it would be interesting to see what would result from all of them stepping into the studio today and recording some little known jazz tunes. Hmmm...

Thank goodness Ms. Krall hailed that particular cab in that particular city at that particular time with that particular driver. Mr. Benedetti knew a great thing, was smart enough to capture it, 'find' it years later and get it released. How often do you get to hear your favorite artist in their musical 'infancy'? This is bare bones jazz at its best--worth a listen and a special place in your jazz library.

This is it, the CD that was rumored and is now a reality. "HEARTDROPS" is the first known recording by the incredible DIANA KRALL. Recorded before the rest of the world had discovered her, this CD shows an incredible talent waiting to be recognized. The phrasing and playing is flawless and the style of writing is a perfect match for her special gifts. This CD is a must have for all Diana Krall fans. The songs, all sung by Ms. Krall, are nothing short of FANTASTIC!... It has not left my CD player..

When a commercially succesful artist with an impressive discography suddenly releases an album with little fanfare on a small label it is usually a situation of 'buyer beware'. This is especially the case, when you see words like "the lost tapes" or "before they were famous". Usually with recordings like this you'll listen to it once or twice, remark that it lends a historically interesting viewpoint of the artist's career and then probably never listen to it again. Well "heartdrops: vince benedetti meets diana krall" is a good exception to that rule.I absolutely love this CD and have been playing it a lot lately. According to the liner notes, in 1988 jazz musician/cab driver, Benedetti met a young unknown, Diana Krall, who at the time was a solo act at a Zurich hotel. They clicked and she joined him and his band for a concert tour and a recording session. Well thank you Mr. Benedetti for getting this CD released! It is a swinging CD which is equal parts light jazz and blues. Diana's voice sounds great and the band really cooks. At first this CD will throw you for a curve, because it is so different from Miss Krall's usual mix of classic pop/jazz. It is rather interesting to hear, because Diana is in a different musical setting.Rather than being a solo artist, who is front and center in the mix, this is more of a group effort. Many times Diana is harmonizing with guitarist, Martin Oster and the effect is really nice.Instead of her usual jazz stylings of classic pop (Gershwin, Arlen, Bacrach etc.) we get the jazz tunes of Benedetti, Isla Eckinger and Harold Vick. The music is light and lively though hardly anything revolutionary. But it does get your toes tapping and it shows off the considerable talents of Diana and the band. I love the opening number, "The News". It is fast and snappy and gets the CD off to a great start.Other good tunes include "Your Destiny", which has a smart and sophisticated sound and "Detroit Blues, which almost has a Steely Dan like qaulity to it. Then there is the song, "My Love", which is a very pretty, radio friendly tune,where Diana gets to show off her vocals.I love it! While this CD is nothing that will cause you to greatly reaccess Diana Krall's career or considerable talents it is defintely an enjoyable listening experience, that I highly recommend!

I was sceptical when I first heard about this "Lost Recording". Since I own all of Diana Krall's CDs, I felt I should give this historic recording a chance. "Heartdrops" is now my favorite in my Krall collection, this recording is heartfelt and swings in all the right places. Give this one a chance and you won't be disappointed! It is a great recording for the car and for those special times at home, frankly it is great anytime.

Imagine Vince remembering this recording after Diana has become an international star and then deciding to release it. Imagine yourself buying the CD and listening to a young Diana playing and singing original material. What a rare opportunity! The CD is excellent and the sound is great. Diana is in good form and the harmony singing is a real treat. Do yourself a favor and get this CD.

As a fan of Diana Krall, I'm glad to have this album. But if it were the first thing I heard by her, I might have hesitated to go any further. The title says it all: As a vocalist, she is not the star here; in fact, her vocals are clearly secondary to the music that she is fronting. That said, it is a good and enjoyable album. I would recommend it only to someone who already knows her work

I love Diana Krall's singing. I have all her CD's and I can listen to "Live in Paris" repeatedly. She's in good voice on this recording, too. The problem is that the material she sings is poor. The tunes sound so much alike, it's monotonous. It appears Benedetti had delusions of grandeur as to the quality of his songwriting talent since two of the songs are presented with alternate takes recorded for radio airplay. I wonder if any radio stations ever actually played them.

You should buy this album only if you are a die-hard Diana Krall fan like me. If you are new to Diana or still exploring, stay away from this CD.

This is the worst Diana Krall album, and I have heard them all. I am struggling to find a single song to rate above 3 stars. I am afraid no part of this album will get much rotation on my iPod.

As other reviews have pointed out, the actual songs (lyrics) are so ridiculous that I actually enjoyed the instrumental passages more than the vocals! The whole album is kind of lifeless and dull and I blame the poor arrangements for that. Diana sings without emotion (you try singing those lyrics!) and the band is likewise run of the mill (a college band can swing better!) so the overall experience is nothing to write home about. Detroit Blues struck me as particularly ludicrous because the lyrics contrasted so much with the actual tone of voice and lifeless band, but they included two versions of this "masterpiece"...

If you are new to Diana Krall's work, start with her outstanding Live in Paris album. Then look up the individual albums where the songs on that live "best-of" album came from. You'll be much happier than with this piece of plastic.

I own most of Diana Krall's albums. This is my least favorite. Maybe it's the style, but it seems to much of the same -cut after cut. I find myself skiping to the cut or two that does appeal. Vince needs Diana more than she needs him.