July 11, 2004
Diana Krall in Houston
Enjoyed the concert last night at Houston's Jones Hall by jazz pianist and chanteuse Diana Krall. Although she was apparently suffering from mouth pain and is scheduled for a root canal (ouch) on Monday, her performance was first-rate. As expected, her jazz chops were in fine form, but the show was also funkier and more soulful than expected.
The Houston Chronicle filed a positive, if unfocused, concert review this morning.
It took 11 years, seven albums and a renewed appreciation for torchy female piano chanteuses by the mainstream audience, but Diana Krall has finally become the piano diva she was destined to be.She is a bit more blue-collar than [Alicia] Keys or [Norah] Jones and not quite as dashing as Harry Connick, but her sultry delivery and intensity while vamping convinces the listener that sound is more important to her than style. Her formal training versus denim appearance may soon define her.
This Knight-Ridder feature story served as a preview yesterday.
Krall married eclectic musician Elvis Costello last year and he seems to be having a big influence on her life and music. The New York Times profiled him recently.
Check out DianaKrall.com, as well as the Verve Music Group Diana Krall site. Both have videos and clips.
And thanks to our daughters for the gift of last night's tickets!
Posted by Alan at July 11, 2004 10:48 AM