Diana Krall - Live In Paris ( HQ vinyl 45rpm 2LP)

Release date: 16-03-2015(orignally released in 2002)

2015 US reissue exclusive limited 2-LP set pressed on 45rpm 180g audiophile vinyl and mastered by Bernie Grundman- The first-ever live concert recording from Grammy-winning vocalist/pianist Diana Krall was recorded at the Paris Olympia Theatre in December of 2001. Here finally, captured in amazing audio quality, is a 180g 45RPM 2LP version showcasing the true magic of that storied concert performance.Numbered Limited Edition Copies Housed in Deluxe Laminated Gatefold Jackets.

•Numbered Deluxe Laminated Double Gatefold Jackets •180g Vinyl •45rpm •Pressed at RTI •Mastered by Bernie Grundman from the Original Analogue Master Tapes!

Tracks:(2LP's)
A1     I Love Being Here With You
A2     Let's Fall In Love
A3     'Deed I Do

B1     The Look Of Love
B2     East Of The Sun (West Of The Moon)
B3     I've Got You Under My Skin

C1     Devil May Care
C2     Maybe You'll Be There
C3     'S Wonderful

D1     Fly Me To The Moon
D2     A Case Of You
D3     Just The Way You Are

•Numbered Deluxe Laminated Double Gatefold Jackets •180g Vinyl •45rpm •Pressed at RTI •Mastered by Bernie Grundman from the Original Analogue Master Tapes!

Live In Paris, recorded at the Paris Olympia during her sold out run on November 29th to December 2nd 2001, was released the following year. Featuring material from her platinum albums (Only Trust Your Heart, When I Look Into Your Eyes, All For You and The Look Of Love), the album won a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Billboard ranked Live In Paris as the 8th best jazz album of the decade. The Canadian artist had developed a loyal following, but had been regarded as a crossover success in certain areas of the jazz community. In 2002 that would change in front of an enthusiastic French audience.

Krall and her outstanding quartet (featuring Anthony Wilson on guitar, John Clayton on bass and Jeff Hamilton on drums) breeze through a variety of popular/jazz standards. The set opens with a swing version of the Peggy Lee/William Shluger classic, “I Love Being Here With You”. At first the listener is struck by the rhythmic, fluent piano and husky vocals. Anthony Wilson executes a dynamic solo on guitar before turning it over to Krall on a commanding run. On the next cut, the Orchestre Symphonique Europeen provide a lush backdrop to a textured cover of ”Let’s Fall In Love”. Up tempo arrangements seem to favor the quartet dynamics and in particular Krall’s piano solos. “’Deed I Do” is explosive, while “East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon)” has a jaunty vibe with John Clayton soloing on bass with nimble finger plucking and bow.

Changes of pace are part of the repertoire. “The Look Of Love” (supplemented by John Pisano on guitar and Paulinho Da Costa on percussion) employs a breezy, Latin-tinged format, but doesn’t have the impact of prior versions (especially Dusty Springfield’s definitive recording).  A deliberate rendition of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” benefits from the orchestral ambiance, and gives Krall an opportunity to inject sultry vocals. The most effective slow number is the solo performance of fellow Canadian Joni Mitchell’s “A Case Of You”. The harmonic piano sets an expressive tone for the subsequent jazzy nuanced singing that captures the heart of the song.

The momentum seems more consistent on the swing numbers. “’S Wonderful” is a natural fit for bossa nova. Krall unleashes a variety of bluesy piano riffs that envelop the melody. “Devil May Care” is full of bop swing dynamics, propelled by Jeff Hamilton’s drumming. Even on a Sinatra tune, “Fly Me To The Moon” Krall is able to inject her smooth take with signature piano licks.

ORG has remastered the tapes for audiophile 45 rpm vinyl. The results are flawless. There is warmth in the tones that reflect the acoustic sound of the band. The separation is precise, especially in the mixes with the orchestra. The intricate registers and suppleness of Krall’s voice are presented with impeccable clarity.  [I think 45 rpm vinyl is the closest we get to the top quality of direct-disc—which almost nobody does anymore except for a few blues releases from Analogue Productions...Ed.]