The Brazilian focus of Diana Krall’s new album ‘Quiet Nights’ represents far more than merely her celebration of the 50th anniversary of Bossa Nova music. Indeed Krall’s ever more maturing style has been sympathetic to this brand of music for some time and her 2001 CD, ‘The Look of Love’, found her leaning very much in the direction of Bossa Nova. ‘Quiet Nights’ is a sensual recording of ballads and Bossa Novas for which Diana reveals a distinctly seductive side. All ten songs are disarming in their intimacy and even those who are familiar with Krall’s breathy vocals and hallmark rhythmic lilt will be taken aback by just how far the music pushes into the realms of sweet surrender.
Krall was inspired to make the record because of her trip last year to Brazil. She was there, in Rio de Janeiro, to film a concert for a new DVD release and found everywhere that the sounds of Jobim and Bossa Nova could still be heard. With legendary contemporary jazz producer Tommy LiPuma at the helm the album is every bit as polished as one would expect and the input of Claus Ogerman, who was the arranger on many of Bossa Nova’s first wave of recordings, proves to be the icing on the cake. He has worked with the likes of Jobim and Gilberto as well as Frank Sinatra, Stan Getz and Bill Evans yet here his collaboration with Krall could well prove to be the best work he has ever done.
From Krall’s refreshing version of ‘Where or When’ to a mesmerizing rendition of ‘You’re My Thrill’ the collection oozes class and is reinforced throughout by her wonderful vocals and consummate piano skills. Classics like ‘The Boy from Ipanema’ and ‘Walk On By’ blend seamlessly with others such as ‘Este Seu Olhar’ and the Bossa Nova standard ‘Corcovado’ that in English is known as ‘Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars’ and, as such, gives its name to the title cut.
Available from March 31 ‘Quiet Nights’ will initially be offered as a limited edition CD with 2 bonus tracks, Krall’s interpretation of the Bee Gee's ‘How Can You Mend A Broken Heart’ and the standard ‘Every Time We Say Goodbye’.
For more and to get the latest on Diana Krall go to www.dianakrall.com.