Exclusive first listen from Diana Krall's 'Quiet Nights'
Posted by USA WEEKEND
Diana Krall’s new record Quiet Nights, one of the biggest releases of the spring, hits stores on Tuesday, and we’ve got an exclusive first listen of the title track just for our readers. Quiet Nights marks the Grammy-winning jazz singer’s first album of new recordings since 2006's From This Moment On, and it’s filled with bossa nova ballads and other songs inspired by her trips to Brazil. Brian Truitt got a chance to speak with Krall for a feature in this weekend’s magazine. Click read more for the rest of the interview after you listen to Quiet Nights below.
Photo by Robert Maxwell
I heard that last February you were prepping to record Quiet Nights, but then you took a break before going into the studio.
My children were a year old, I’d been touring with them since they were six months old and I just wasn’t ready. I needed to think about it for a while. So I took a couple months off and skied every day, because we live 20 minutes from a mountain [in Vancouver]. So I would get up early and get my kids ready, and while they’re napping, I’d go up to the hill and ski and clear my head. Then we went on tour, I thought about things on tour, and then we went into the studio right after that and haven’t stopped since then.
Are you a good skier?
Yeah. I don’t do Black Diamond or anything, and if I was skiing Europe, I’d be considered a very poor skier. But on my local mountains, I rock! I had a meeting with somebody from France, and he said, “Oh, you have to ski Europe,” and I’m like, “I know…” I like to ski as fast as humanly possible.
Is this your most romantic album?
I don’t think it’s romantic so much as it’s sensual and erotic. I feel great in my being 44 and who I am, and it reflects the culture right now of strong women who are balancing career and motherhood. It’s not romantic in the way that it’s girly — it’s very womanly. I feel like I have it all in a way that’s very challenging. Because of my schedule, I can be a stay-at-home mom. Like right now, I’m cooking chicken and getting the boys ready and talking to you, all at the same time, and it’s just fine.
On Quiet Nights, you recorded a version of The Boy From Ipanema, which is in itself a version of The Girl From Ipanema. What is it about that tune that makes it so classic?
A couple people said, “That’s pretty obvious.” Well, I’m going to do it anyway because it’s fun. It was important to do it because I wanted to bring it back to its original intention, and also as a woman singing it, it’s a bit different. If you’ve been to Ipanema Beach, it’s pretty stunning. I felt like I could relate to it in some way. I always get into a character or think about a film or a movie, so whatever I’m thinking in my head — like putting yourself in as the girl from Ipanema who’s older, walking down the beach looking at the beautiful families — I get all these ideas and I just interpret it
What are you and your husband, Elvis Costello, working on now?
I just produced Barbra Streisand’s record and we’re in the process of sequencing right now. He’s got an album coming up, working with T-Bone Burnett. I’m so excited about my life, Elvis’ life, our children — I just feel I have so much. I’ve had such a hard time in the past, my mother affected me greatly artistically, and now that I’m able to be a mum and a wife and I see my mother in myself, I see these things in different ways. I’m really into cooking dinners and doing the house for the holidays and I’m spraying the windows with antique. All that stuff. Having children, it’s really fulfilling for me at first to be a mom and a wife, and that’s affected who I am as an artist for the better.
Comments (51)
I have loved everything Diana does, but have to say if the Quiet Nights cut is the best of the album I won't buy.
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Joannah
http://keyboardpiano.net
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Miriam
http://www.craigslistguide.info
As a past (WAY PAST) Julie London wan-a-be singer and standard/jazz lover, I just recently "discovered" Diana Krull performing with Elton John (as mostly interviewer} on her husband, Elvis Costello's "SPECTACLE". I was so excited and then asked friends to share a CD with me. It was disappointing because of the overpowering orchestra behind her. I loved the more intimate setting and the combo that she surrounded herself with that night. It reminded me of the old "Blackhawk" days in San Francisco. Does anyone out there remember? I've just ordered "Quiet Nights", but would love to have a copy of the "SPECTACLE" episode and others like it.
It has been said many times- bring back the old Diana. The one that plays and signs jazz. She was just great. This new album just is not the same.
I agree 100% with Elmers comments. A great talent
at the keyboard in a jazz fashion. Not a crooner
by any means although the background music was excellent.
I wasn't to crazy over Quiet Nights, it was a little confusing. I was impressed with her trying to branch out and record a different sound but I don't think it really worked. I love the Paris album and listen to it all the time. Play some more JAZZ!
I am sure you saw the video of roy orbison, and black and white night? Wasn't elvis great? I play that all the time, or a couple times a month. I bet you and the hubby are great, being so talented and all. beautiful song
Diana is a unique,laid back, classy artist who is enjoyable to watch and listen to. So smooth and cool. Her talent is a combination of exquisite piano playing along with her own personal singing style. When you hear it you know it's her. The sample of "Quiet Nights" is unlike any arrangement I've heard of it. The orchestra almost overshadows her voice and some of the harmony is quite dissonant, some bars are even reminiscent of a soundtrack from a suspense movie. A little eerie. Doesn't sound sensual to me. Also, more piano would be more her style and more enjoyable to listen to. I look forward to hearing the entire CD. Diana is a beautiful lady and awesome talent. I also love Jobim, Bossa Nova and Brazilian music. Does anyone know what happened to Walter Wanderly?
I'm too old to get excited about breathy stuff but I still buy her quality. It reminds me of the old standards that bring back memories. Yup...
whe she sings, angels just gotta folder their wings.
I really like Diana's work, especially the older
"standards" on "The Look Of Love". I plan to buy
"Quiet Nights". I have a tape of Diana in a guest
performance with the Boston Pops, which I enjoy
watching again from time to time.
I really like Diana's work, especially the older
"standards" on "The Look Of Love". I plan to buy
"Quiet Nights". I have a tape of Diana in a guest
performance with the Boston Pops, which I enjoy
watching again from time to time.
I've always liked Julie London, and I realize Diana Krall imulates her style. I love ballads, especially love songs that have a sensual meaning. Old tunes lke "Day Dreams", "I cold have told you so", "Don't worry bout me"," I wish I did'nt love you so","Some one to watch over me",etc....
3-30-09
I love old standard songs she played on her "Look of Love", "When I look in your Eyes" albums. Not too fond of songs that do not have much meaning in the lyrics. I refuse to by a CD just because t has only one or two songs that I like. A varity of tunes will sell more albums. What about doing rendiions of some Patsy Cline hits?
3-30-09
I love old standard songs she played on her "Look of Love", "When I look in your Eyes" albums. Not too fond of songs that do not have much meaning in the lyrics. I refuse to by a CD just because t has only one or two songs that I like. A varity of tunes will sell more albums. What about doing rendiions of some Patsy Cline hits?
Thank you , thank you , thank you for doing a Bossa Nova Album! From the first time I ever saw and heard Diana perform, I thought she'd be sensational doing this genre of brazilian Jazz and she did NOT disappoint ! I loved her rendition of "Quiet Nights", so sensual and relaxing, and can hardly wait to buy the CD to hear all of it. In fact, I plan to buy several, to surprise my Bossa Nova loving friends. I have all her CDs and am always amazed by her wonderful vocalization and AWESOME talent! LOVED IT!!!!!!!!
Kudos to Diana. She can hypnotize with her voice and piano talent. Enjoy Quiet Nights and my library of all her other CDs. She is super fantastic on stage.
Also enjoy SOOOO much her gig with her husband and Willie Nelson! via Web wmv.. a 'keeper'!
Kudos to Diana. She can hypnotize with her voice and piano talent. Enjoy Quiet Nights and my library of all her other CDs. She is super fantastic on stage.
Also enjoy SOOOO much her gig with her husband and Willie Nelson! via Web wmv.
Truly enjoy Quiet Nights; however, her soft jazz is hypnotic.
She's obviously down-to-earth and stardom hasn't changed her.
Kudos to a beautiful and talented entertainer.
Have all Diana's records. She is wonderful and enjoy 'Quiet Nights"; however, do prefer her jazz. Have seen her in person twice, enjoy a library of all her CDs and it's so refreshing that she's stayed 'real' with a beautiful voice and fantastic pianist. God Bless her and her family.
I love anything Diana does. So glad she's back!!
Almost anything Diana does is classy & great.
Will have to check out the Live in Paris cd for
sure. She first got us hooked about 9 or 10 yrs
ago w/ Peal me a grape ! Now, that's sexy.
Sorry, This isn't the Krall that we've come to love. Please get back to Jazz.
I have to agree with most of the negative comments about this song "Quiet Nights". I loved Diana Krall's earlier Jazz piano and vocals especially "The Look of Love".. Hated "The Girl in The Other Room". This version of "Quiet Nights" is slow, dreary, depressing, too breathy, and too long. Diana please get back to the standards as played in a Jazz club!
As an old timer and jazz lover, would appreciate Diana staying with her JAZZ style.