The Girl in the Other Room

The music of Diana Krall was introduced to me by my mother. Of course, my mother introduced me to almost every genre of music there is. Except country. Thank goodness (sorry, Patrick).

I have been ad ardent follower of her music since I received her first CD burned and sent to me by my mom. She has a voice of liquid. It goes so smoothly into my soul that I am utterly inebriated by it before I can even recognize the buzz.

When I read that she had married Elvis Costello, another genius musician/singer/songwriter, I was surprised. Really. I honestly thought, well, it must be his good personality. I know that isn't too charitable of me and that ugly is a very strong word, but their union made me a believer that beauty is in the eye of the beholder (recall that I have, on previous occasions, confessed that I am a recovering materialist so that means that I am learning to make decisions not based on how cute or pretty something is, or, ummm, how cheap). While their mutual attraction baffled me, I was sure that they were going to truly make beautiful music together.

I was right. And I love being right.

The newest offering from Diana, The Girl in the Other Room has added spice to her previous collection. Through her luscious voice, I can hear the veiled enigmatic words of Elvis Costello. Through the music I can hear the jazz piano Diana plays so well. It makes me want a cigarette and to mourn what I haven't lost, but have certainly experienced. I was also pleasantly surprised by her inclusion of "Love Me Like A Man" written by Chris Smither, and made known to me by the talented Bonnie Raitt. Diana's blues piano is astounding, and Anthony Wilson's guitar piece compliments it well. Ladies, you have to read those lyrics. Hmm, perhaps the men should take a look, too. Diana's rendition of "Black Crow" by Joni Mitchell made me love the song all over again.

Several songs are obvious tributes to the two most significant events of the past few years: the death of her mother to leukemia (resulting in Diana's activism in fund raising for the Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program) and her marriage to Mr. Costello. The last one is very moving and conveys such personal lucid memories of the two people who have moved her heart to love.

If I have to choose a favorite right now, and it may change tomorrow, "Narrow Daylight" would be it.

Narrow Daylight entered my room
Shining hours were brief
Winter is over
Summer is near
Are we stronger than we believe?

You know, after listening, I think I know what drew Elvis and Diana.....