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56 of 64 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Decent Tribute to Brazilian Music--If You Like the Singing Style, March 31, 2009
I have been a big fan of Diana Krall since the mid-1990's, and I own everything she's released under her name except "Stepping Out" and her recent greatest-hits CD. I also love bossa nova. "Quiet Nights" is a decent tribute to that kind of music and is strong in several respects. First, I think the choice of material is pretty good (see the other reviews for a description of the songs). Second, the arrangements by Claus Ogerman are lush and beautiful, as always (listen to Diana's "Look of Love" CD for more great Ogerman arrangements). Third, Diana's piano playing on "Quiet Nights," what there is of it, is tasty and interesting, as always. What disappointed me here is that Diana adopted a very breathy, whispered singing style for much of this album, and I just don't enjoy that kind of singing. I much prefer the way she sang on her earlier albums, where she used that "breathiness" more sparingly and to good effect. This is something each listener will have to gauge for himself or herself. It's simply a matter of personal taste. In my opinion, "The Look of Love" (2001) is similar in tone but superior to "Quiet Nights." For my taste, the singing approach and the choice of material there is better than on "Quiet Nights." My recommendation is to listen to the samples to determine whether you like this breathy style of singing before you buy, even if you consider yourself a Diana Krall fan.
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92 of 109 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not a good outing, even in Brazil. .. ., April 6, 2009
My record collection is blessed with great Brazilian jazz and bossa nova. From Stan Getz to Antonio Carlos Jobim's Wave to Eliane Elias. It's a tough genre to pull off - to give it that cool, breezy, laid-back, I-wish-I-had-another-Mojito kind of feeling. If done well, the listener is transported to a gorgeous beach with beautiful women and cool mist of ocean spray, spawned by the hip grooves of quiet sophistication. If done poorly, the listener is pushed headfirst into the nearest elevator. I'm still punching the numbers looking for a more exciting floor . . .uh . . . I mean tune. Krall no longer seems to revel in the music. Instead, I get a sense she fell in line behind Tony LiPuma and headed to the studio with a few chords and one-too-many string programs. We witnessed Miles Davis fall from Kind of Blue to struggling through Cindy Lauper tunes late in his career. Krall seems to be on a similar fall from greatness. Let us hope and pray she finds her mark again. This ain't it. Save your money and pick up Eliane Elias "Sings Jobim."
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42 of 49 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
IS DIANA KRALL BECOMING THE KENNY G OF "JAZZ", April 22, 2009
As a longime Diana Krall's fan I am extremely disappointed with the recent effort. She has become so predictably boring: sweet,sleepy sounds, strings--music that is just not jazz and obviously not what Mrs. Krall can do. Her music now is a cup of coffee with a pound of sugar in it. Kenny G anyone? I have seen Diana Krall Live twice with the Quartet. She is an excellent JAZZ piano player and a great singer. I still consider "Stepping Out" one of her best efforts. Nat King Cole dedication album was great as well as "Love Scenes" and "Only trust your heart" are also great. What drives Diana to make all of those string infused albums in past few years (except "Girl in the other room") is beyond me. I will not consider getting her next album before I find out what it is. Meanwhile, I will turn my attention to real jazz singers of today: Patricia Barber, Lavay Smith, Madeleine Peyroux. Has anyone heart of Hope Waits ? Not necessarily a true jazz cd but what a fresh voice. Melody Gardot is another one to pay attention to. And if there aren't any modern female jazz divas to listen to, there is always time for Dinah, Sarah, Billie and Ella. Anita O'Day and Chris Connor are also a good jazz therapy. I hope to hear some good music from really talented Diana Krall in the future.
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