Masterful Krall delivers another moody album
This Dream of You Diana Krall | Verve
You would expect someone with Diana Krall's sales to be putting out records when they're ready. This Dream of You was completed with Krall's longtime, late producer Tommy Lipuma in 2017 with the dozen tracks selected from over 30 the pair had laid down.
This makes the album something of a goodbye to Lipuma, who had been a creative partner to the Canadian jazz singer for 25 years, as well as delivering new music at a time of home-based hanging out.
Krall certainly has put together a session for sipping wine and staring out the window at the overcast skies and rain. The Nanaimo-born-and-raised pianist/vocalist does little to change vintage masterworks such as Singing in the Rain, Autumn in New York or More than You Know for the easygoing recording. That she chose a Bob Dylan song for the title piece seems almost radical in comparison.
Paired up with an incredible cast of supporting players — bassist Christian Mcbride, guitarist Marc Ribot and Dylan's bassist Tony Garnier are only a few of the familiar names on the set — Krall is beyond comfortable working her signature sound on these 12 familiar gems.
Here are five things to know about the album:
1. That's All
Her voice sounds more whispered than usual on this romantic ballad. Rather than go for the full Wedding Singer approach and celebrate the lyrics of love, Krall is back in the corner, dropping lines like, “I can only give you love that lasts forever,” like it was a question more than a promise. Close your eyes, and you can conjure up some smoke-laden Tinsel Town piano lounge in the wee hours where everyone is looking for love in the wrong places.
2. Almost Like Being in Love
Talk about a tune that was tailor-made for Krall, this Brigadoon musical tour de force swings hard as she gets handy on the ivories and comps behind a slick guitar solo. Her delivery is clipped and percussive, and it works.
3. Don't Smoke in Bed
Modern mattress fire retardants probably make this song a tad less urgent today. But the advice to avoid approaching relationships with the same disregard for safety that comes with risking a flaming futon remains relevant. Krall turns in a moody and drawn-out vocal on this that is an album highlight.
4. This Dream of You
The pairing of Dylan and Krall isn't one that ever seemed likely, but her seven-minute-long version of this track is inspired. Over a background of acoustic and electric guitar, violin and accordion, as well as Krall's piano, the tune gains an air of a Mexican border cantina and drips with sadness and regret. She could consider an album of Dylan tunes if she chose them all as well as this song.
5. Singing in the Rain
The vocal over a solitary walking bass is a nice way to open the song, but both the performance and arrangement are the least interesting on the album. There is a bit of nice piano, but not nearly enough to enliven this by-rote recording.