Customer Reviews

Live in Paris

5 star:		(112)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I know diana Krall gets her share of record company hype, but in the case of the DVD and CD here, it's actually deserved -- and therefore it really isn't "hype".

"The Look of Love" from 2001, was a bad stumble, and I guess Diana and her cohorts realized it. So they set out to redeem and recapture their stature and reputations. Just for the record, they succeeded -- the recovery is magnificent. I'm not sure if this is the same band with which she toured Asia in 2001 (a stellar performance on May 7, 2001 in Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR --if anyone else reading this caught it, then you know). But the jazz musicianship here is outstanding.

The strings and studio-generated mush is gone, and so are the producer efforts to make Diana Krall sound like "[insert top pop-chick's name] for adults". There are several elements that make this a worthwhile purchase even if you own several Krall studio CD's. In the case of the DVD, there's the added bonus of the visuals, an expanded song selection, and lots of off stage and 'behind the scenes' footage. But as if to make sure that fans buy both, the CD features songs not on the DVD. THe mix is more jazz and less pop than the studio recordings. As a consequence, Diana Krall's piano playing is featured more prominently. Songs that really fell flat on "Look of Love" are also brought to life by the presence of a drummer and vibraharpist (who is curiously not credited--probably due to some matter involving lawyers).

This performance is a return to classic form for jazz fans. The arrangements are excellent, the crowd is quiet during the songs -- but clearly thrilled by the performance. But what really makes this memorable is the song selection. That is strong enought here that I think this CD will still be listened to (and selling) decades from now.

A few surprises are "Just The Way You Are", from Billy Joel's mid-1970's album "The Stranger", and "A Case Of You", an obscure Joni Mitchell song from "Blue". The jazz versions actually outdoo the originals in some respects, and suggest that great songs will be Diana Krall's main focus in future releases. That impression is reinforced by her rendition of "Fly Me To The Moon", originally a hit for Frank Sinatra.

While she missed being on the soundtrack to the movie "Space Cowboys", Krall has had other collaborations with Clint Eastwood. Eastwood (along with Willie Nelson and a few other old warhorses) seems to be looking for cool new talent and apparently Diana Krall fits that mold. So, I think we can all expect some really exceptional releases and movie soundtrack work from Diana and her fellow musicians in the next few years.

By refusing to go the pop route and doing what some brain dead VP at a record company wanted, Diana Krall has avoided the fate of Cheryl Crow and others who desparately chase celebrity and try to be part of the IN CROWD. With this release she has crossed a threshold to become one of the IN CROWD on her own terms.

This CD has the earmarks of a defining piece of work. Probably the first classic Jazz release of the 21st century.

This album runs the risk of being classified a Schedule 1 drug by the FDA for its remarkable addictive potential. Yes, Diana Krall is like aural heroin on this electrifying CD. Her pacing, her rich, sultry voice and her impeccable pianistic skills shine like very few artists around today. I have played piano for nearly 50 years (God, am I THAT old?) and find that I simply MUST play along with this album every time I listen to it. This is also one of the best recorded live albums I have ever heard from an audiophile perspective. My system seduces me into believing that she is literally playing in my living room along with her great backup musicians. I saw her live at the Algonquin Hotel in New York about 5 years ago and the verve, swing and intimacy that I heard at that concert are clearly in evidence here on this cd. It looks like this brief review will be one of many 5 star ones for this album. It is certain to be a classic. Buy one, but if you don't have any money, this album is so good...

This live concert CD has nothing but good things to recommend it and I would say to anyone who likes standards done right as well as terrific bossa nova arrangements done by the masterful Claus Ogerman - that you can simply do no wrong in buying this audio CD. Not to mention that Diana Krall is quite an accomplished musician and her jazz piano skills really impressed me in this concert.

The only thing that has me puzzled, however, is why a non-live (studio recorded) Billy Joel track was subsituted for the wonderful Nat King Cole-inspired "Love Letters" (also arranged and conducted by Ogerman). I do not see a reason for this subsitution on the audio CD.

If you are driving around in your car or want to listen to good music while you are traveling, the audio CD is definitely the way to go. However, if you are home or have access to a DVD player in your location, nothing beats the DVD of this concert - where you can see as well as hear these first-rate musicians play, almost as if you were attending the concert yourself (with some considerable advantage to the DVD viewer with the excellent camera angles provided).

--bj
January 2003

After spending the past few weeks listening to her other releases I own, it's apparent to me that Diana Krall's "Live in Paris" highlights several qualities which aren't as noticeable on the other albums. For one, her voice is fuller, huskier, and shows a greater dynamic range here than on many of her studio-recorded tracks. In addition, the more open arrangements which come with a live gig allow her jazz piano skills to shine in ways not often heard on the albums. Finally, the rhythmic variations she displays with her voice and fingers throughout the performance aren't utilized much on her earlier albums.

After listening through the album several times, my personal faves are "The Look of Love," "Maybe You'll Be There," and "A Case of You." I don't care much for the version of "Just the Way You Are" included here. Though it's included as a bonus track, its polished smooth-jazz/pop sound doesn't fit well with the jazzy, more open and engaging tracks which precede it.

All in all, if you've seen Ms. Krall live (I saw her in D.C. in April) I heartily recommend this CD - it'll bring back what makes evenings with her so memorable. And if you haven't seen her live, this CD will make you want to.

Boy, am I glad I bought the "Live in Paris" CD. I was hesitant at first, because except for Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are", I already own all of DK's recordings of the songs in this set, as well as the DVD version of the concert.

However, the repertoire is lovingly pared down to a well-rounded selection from the original nearly two-hour performance. And without the visual distraction of watching gorgeous Diana in person, it hit me how much more punch the live versions pack over the pristine-perfect studio versions. That's not to say the live sound quality isn't extraordinary: it is. But Diana's delivery itself is so intense, focused, and emotional, it's truly like hearing the songs for the first time. In particular, "A Case of You" and "Maybe You'll Be There" are so heartfelt, direct, just this side of the tragic, even the ever-so-slight silent beats speak volumes. These renditions alone would be worth the price of the CD. But every song is is stunning and exciting.

"Live in Paris" epitomizes the skill that Diana brings to music interpretation that is so lacking in today's bellowing, acrobatic "American Idol" approach, where all the lyrical meaning is obliterated to Kingdom Come.

I have some pop-music enthusiast friends who are perplexed by Diana's ingratiation into mainstream pop. They find her "scotch and wild honey" contralto too unlike the current acceptable music trends. They just don't get it! Listening to DK is like sitting across from her at a table in an intimate cafe while she confides all of life's intimacies. Then she turns around and sets your heart pounding with an up-tempo number like "East of the Sun" or "Devil May Care".

If you were like me and held off on buying "Live in Paris" because you thought you had it all, here is all that and more. Do yourself a favor and get it. As they say in Paree, it's the creme de la creme.

Diana Krall has been hailed my many as one of the great jazz musicians of the modern era. After hearing her last album, the wildly successful The Look of Love, I couldn't understand why. Sure, it was recorded well, but to these ears, it was little more than a cure for insomnia. It seemed like her management was more interested with marketing her based on her looks, rather than her musical abilities. But now, on her newest release, Live in Paris, I can hear what all the fuss has been about.

Accompanied by her core band--Anthony Wilson on guitar, John Clayton on bass, and Jeff Hamilton on drums--Krall wows the crowd time and time again. Then again, it's hard to go wrong when most of the material is coming from the Great American Songbooks of Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, George and Ira Gershwin.

Recorded live over four nights at the historic Olympia Theatre, Live in Paris gives you a firsthand account of the ambience and excitement of a musical evening with her. The only thing missing is the stage banter you'd hear at a `real' show. Krall is actually very talkative during her shows and (as anyone who's had the pleasure of seeing here perform will tell you) the fact that the interaction with her audience is missing is a disappointment.

The majority of the songs are performed by her core band. They're joined by the Orchestre Symphonique Europeen on "Let's Fall in Love" and "I've Got You Under My Skin." In addition, percussionist Paulinho Da Costa joins them on 4 tracks, and John Pisano contributes acoustic guitar on 3 tracks. However, make no mistakes. As great as her accompanying musicians may be, this is Krall's show. Swinging like there's no tomorrow, tracks like "I Love Being Here With You," "'Deed I Do" and "Devil May Care" are the disc's biggest highlights.

She doesn't slack off on the ballads either, though. Her distinctive phrasing and cool, sultry vocals turn the songs into true works of art. Her stunning cover of Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You" is a perfect example. The only drawback, if you can call it one, is the extra studio track here--a cover of the wedding reception staple, Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are." It's not that it's bad (it's a straight rendition of the song); it's more a case of just being unnecessary.

All told, Live in Paris is an excellent place to start for those who may not be familiar with the Grammy Award-winning musician, and longtime fans are sure to enjoy it as well. The only bad thing about this CD is that it's too short.

The opening tune is a Peggy Lee/William Schluger composition called "I LOVE BEING HERE WITH YOU", featuring some great vocalizing by Krall and tickling the ivory's that only she can, her back up is Anthony Wilson (guitar), John Clayton (bass) and Jeff Hamilton (drums) shades of the King Cole Trio come to mind. Smooth sounds of "LET'S FALL IN LOVE", a classic standard by Harold Arlen/Ted Koehler sends the listener into the realm of pure ecstasy. Mesmerizing and tranquil vibes within an original style in this Burt Bacharach/Hal David "THE LOOK OF LOVE", sends a message of sensual feelings that Krall brings to the surface ~ must make mention this sounds better "Live", something in Krall's voice gives this more substance.

Some stand outs ~ "I'VE GOT YOU UNDER MY SKIN", nothing can top this Cole Porter selection that only two people I know give this their own signature, of course Frank Sinatra is the first and now Diana Krall comes to the forefront, not bad company to be in---beautiful arrangement by Alan Broadbent music director, conductor of the Orchestre Symphonique Europeen, this song really gets under your skin, gotta love it. Some great jazz piano on "DEVIL MAY CARE", Krall and her group are really having a swinging good time, and it shows. One of my all-time favorite songs is "MAYBE YOU'LL BE THERE", songwriters Rube Bloom/Sammhy Gallop hit the mark with words and music, Diana takes it to a higher level with this intimate arrangement.

My highlight pick is "A CASE OF YOU", love this song, love Joni Mitchell (artist/composer) and Love Diana Krall with the lyrics pouring from her soul, this song especially shows what a terrific singer she is. Another highlight has to be "JUST THE WAY YOU ARE", the never to be forgotten Billy Joel hit, Krall and her style take over, she's right at home with this one. If you're not a fan by this time, there is no hope for you. This album is a keeper for the jazz-buff in all of us, take it from me this is well worth the money and then some.

Total Time 70:11 on 12 Tracks ~ Verve 440-065-109-2 ~ (2002)

I have been waiting, not too patiently for over a year for Diane's next album. The last one, The Look of Love was somewhat disappointing for a fan like me who loves to hear Ms. Krall wail on her sohpisticated jazz piano...This one really Swings! Starting with the first track, a hip Peggy Lee number; I Love Being Here with You,( with a mystery reference to Ray Brown). As I listened to the beautifully engineered live
recording, my mind flashed back to some of my all time favorite "Live" recordings such as Brubeck's Jazz Goes to College, Errol Concert's Concert in Carmel, and Ahmad Jamal Live at the Pershing. This album will be right up there with those classics....Why? The energy, the enthusiasm Krall and the boys bring to this CD, the obvious warmth of the audience....but MOST of all hearing Diane SWING again. Her piano playing is a joy to hear. The excellent back up work with some creative guitar work by Anthony Wilson, great bass work including a solo with the bow by John Clayton, and the missing drums from All for You...Really rounds out the sound for Ms. Krall. She is a great blend of new/old sounds with a marvelous appreciation for her precedessors. This album might also be billed as a tribute to the George Shearing Quintet. She uses a big, FAT, great Shearing sound to great effect and even includes vibes but I found no credit for the vibe player.

All in all a great album...Why only 4.5 stars? I would have liked a few more new songs! Here's hoping Diane is hard at work on her next album...with plenty of great new solos like the best I have heard her do on Deed I Do. I recommend you get 2 copies...one for home and one for the car...You won't want to be anywhere without easy access to Live in Paris

This woman is a goddess, in her art, in her physical self, in her Prada clothes. I have all of her CD's and adore each one, but to hear her live is something else. There is a demension not present in her studio recordings, not better not worse, simply another facet to this talented woman. Live she is more energetic, more daring, more virtuosic. In the studio she is more intimate, more controlled. The only thing better than hearing the Paris CD would be to have heard the concert in person. Her performance of the rare gem "A Case of You" is priceless! I only regret that I must share her with so many countless others!

I should start this review by saying that I am not a jazz fan. I like a little bit every now and then, but I could never build a huge jazz collection. I listen to rock and other popular music-- everything from the Beatles to the Clash to the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Tori Amos. However, I came across this Diana Krall CD when I became interested in jazz music thanks to Joni Mitchell. Joni's albums of the '70s are heavily influenced by jazz. I loved them all, so I began looking for other female vocal jazz performers. It was in this way that I stumbled upon Diana Krall's "Live in Paris."

I love this album. For a long time, I only listened to it occasionally and as background music (as other reviewers have described it.) However, one evening I sat down to really listen to the album and discovered that it is a veritable treasure trove of excellent music. I was captured by Diana's unique vocal style. It was beautiful, plaintive and very different from many other female vocalists I have come across. Her band was absolutely wonderful--full of energy during songs like "I Love Being Here with You" and slinking with sexuality and grit during songs like "I've Got You Under My Skin." I'm not typically a fan of "standards" such as these, but this album has enchanted me. I listen to it often in a wide variety of moods. It has become something of a security blanket for me. I encourage everyone, from jazz purists to rock fans like myself, to pick up a copy and listen to it as MUSIC and not as background noise. You will not be disappointed.