[MTL]

So at last: Ms. Krall is back with some music (seems her marriage with Elvis Costello has achieved quite something here...

) After her shallower last studio recordings, “The Girl in the other room” really is more than just a pleasant surprise. It’s among her best albums yet, and it’s certainly her most mature work. It isn’t as laid back as “Look of love” (luckily

) or “When I look in your eyes” (in fact some tunes are rather up-beat and groovy! ), it does not feature any strings

, and it shows Krall in a different musical context, which counts for both, repertoire and musicians involved. Anthony Wilson on guitar alone would be worth listening to this CD. From the 12 songs recorded here, indeed none is from the “Great American Songbook”. We have songs by Tom Waits (“Temptation” in a not so sensual mood as on Holly Cole’s Waits tribute of the same title), Elvis Costello (

), Joni Mitchell (“Black Crow”) and others, and we have 6 songs by Krall herself with lyrics co-written with Elvis Costello. And these songs really are fine examples of what modern song writing can be all about. Krall’s singing is equally fine as is her piano playing that is featured far more prominently than on almost any of her earlier albums. One tends to forget, that she was and is an excellent jazz pianist in the first place...
So, highly recommended, all the more as the sound engineering for once got it right.

 

[meech]

I know what my evening will consist of

.

Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[Jasper994]

The Girl in the Other Room
AMG Rating:
Release Date: 4/27/2004


It hasn't released here yet!!! GRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[meech]

Thanks Jasper994,

Unfortunately I read your response a little too late. I spent a good ten minutes at J & R music world looking for this new release. I finally asked one of the sales guys who gave me that 'calm down jackass' look and said to me in a very cold tone "NEXT WEEK PAL". I didn't know whether I was more angry at him or Diana for not releasing her disc yet.

Oh well, gotta wait

 

[earful]

check out the barnes and noble site for sample clips from the audio tracks.

 

[Welly Wu]

I got to get me 'dis album!

 

[spaceman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTL So, highly recommended, all the more as the sound engineering for once got it right.

Do you have the SACD or Redbook? Wondering how the SACD sounds.

 

[MTL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spaceman Do you have the SACD or Redbook? Wondering how the SACD sounds.

I got the normal Redbook version. Sorry for you in the US that it hasn't been released yet...
Just gave it another listen - it's really great!
Funny though that Verve, being American, does release its CDs earlier in Europe than in the US. But if we do have to pay more for Grados over here there must be some advantage for us too

 

[mkyy]

Not sure if you guys know that Anthony Wilson released a solo album called "Our Gang" released by Groove Note. Damn good! If you like his style in "Live in Paris", chances are you'd like this album as well. Plus the quality of the recording is excellent. Check it out!

 

[TonyTripleA]

Thanks for the Anthony Wilson tip... I'll be looking for it.

And yes, I can confirm that the new "Girl in the next room" is a step up for Diana (and she was already on a pedestal at my place anyhow). I think some of the piano stands out for me... much nicer than the live in Paris album. Funny, I know its been bashed a bit but "look of love" is so different it will still have a place near the top of my CD pile.

Cheers,

TonyAAA

 

[Permonic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasper994 The Girl in the Other Room AMG Rating: Release Date: 4/27/2004 It hasn't released here yet!!! GRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's interesting, it's already couple of weeks here in HK. I listened to this album last time in CD Warehouse ..... http://www.umg.com.hk/minisite/girl_.../index_umg.htm (switch to EN)

 

[Spent&Bent]

My hybrid SACD is still underway grrrrr..... 5-10 days delivery unfortunately.

 

[augustwest]

Great review! I'm picking up an advance copy today. I also noticed that in the Los Angeles Times Sunday paper, that Amazon.com is advertising it for $9.98.

- augustwest

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Count me in on getting a copy of this CD and SACD. I just love Norah Jones and am really curious about all the hype about Diana Krall now. Thanks for the info guys. you just cost me another $25.

 

[augustwest]

What a wonderful album! It is as if it is tailor made for the Grado signature sound. Even the instrumental "I Freak Out" (trk #14) is great! . . . . Give it a try!

- augustwest