August 12, 2004

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.....

Posted by Rae at August 12, 2004 06:37 PM | TrackBack
Comments

Except country. Thank goodness

Hey!!! [pout] See if I talk to you now.

Posted by: Ith at August 12, 2004 07:22 PM

A little local gossip: rumour had it around here that she was having an affair with Clint Eastwood. A coworker was at the gym and and one of the women had witnesed him and Dina having a screaming match in his inn's parking lot.

Hey, it's a small town!

Posted by: Ith at August 12, 2004 07:24 PM

Ms. Krall was made for tube amps and really really expensive speakers. Like butta, I tell ya. I'll take this as an ace review and buy the CD. Her last one before this was tired, and the one before that wasn't as good as her first few.

Posted by: Drew at August 12, 2004 10:55 PM

Ith- you know I still love you; it's the country I can't handle....

Really? Clint Eastwood? He's sooooo old.

Drew- yes! This one is hands down her creative best! Run to buy it. (Thanks for considering this an ace review btw :) )

Posted by: Rae at August 12, 2004 11:57 PM

Yes, pure sonic butta.

Some Diana Krall with a side of Dianne Schurr...

Posted by: robert at August 13, 2004 02:07 AM

Diana and Elvis is by far my favorite combo. Thanks for the review since I haven't picked up the new one yet. I like to throw them both in the iTunes party shuffler at work.

As for country, you should try some alt-country artists which creatively blend some country roots, good songwriting with just enough rock-n-roll. I'm not big on top-pop country music either, but I still love a great voice and good lyrics. Country music queen Loretta Lynn just put out a new CD produced by alternative rocker Jack White of the White Stripes that I'd like to hear also.

And as for Clint, his love of jazz must keep his libido healthy.

Posted by: DonO at August 13, 2004 11:09 AM

Hmmm... well maybe I'll share my Smashbox purchases with you after all :)

And I hope I get to see you next weekend!

Posted by: Ith at August 13, 2004 12:53 PM

The most ardent anti-Country music people make the best country music fans. :-) You shall be converted.

Posted by: Patrick at August 13, 2004 01:16 PM

Patrick, this is true! I caught my brother trying to sneak some of my CDs -- and he's an ardent country hater. Same thing happened with a coworker's wife.

Posted by: Ith at August 13, 2004 04:38 PM

Robert-you like Diana, too?

Posted by: Rae at August 16, 2004 02:19 PM
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