Diana Krall - Stepping Out

180-gram gatefold 2LP

1992 debut album, first time on vinyl!

Includes bonus track, Diana's incredible arrangement of "Summertime"

For years singer-pianist Diana Krall has been bringing new lifeblood to jazz via her dual knockout talents. And while her later recordings reveal a consistently maturing artist, this 1992 debut album shows that the Nanaimo, British Columbia, native had the goods right from the get-go.

In her mid-20s here, Krall sings with honesty, subtlety, and persuasion while playing the piano with head-shaking authority, both as accompanist — she offers amazing asides in between vocal phrases — and as an absolutely A-one improviser. Indeed, it is remarkable to hear her weave her gifts into a wondrous whole. Working with bass ace John Clayton and the superb drummer Jeff Hamilton, Krall presents one winner after another. "This Can't Be Love" is typical, a selection where it is all but impossible not to tap your foot. After a nicely enunciated vocal — she slides into phrases much like Sarah Vaughn — the pianist cooks in her Oscar Peterson-meets-Gene Harris style, playing hip ideas that fall easily on the ear, underwritten by her rock-solid feel for time.

"As Long as I Live" is another example of Krall's ability to sing and swing a standard with a nonstop groove. "Straighten Up and Fly Right" is slower and features a deeply bluesy vocal; "I'm Just a Lucky So and So" is equally sultry. The classic ballad "Body and Soul" finds her singing with intimacy and playing with a caressing touch. A very impressive start for a very impressive artist.

Side A

1. This Can’t Be Love

2. Straighten Up And Fly Right

3. Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea

4. I’m Just A Lucky So And So

Side B

1. Body And Soul

2. 42nd Street

3. Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me

Side C

1. Big Foot

2. Frim Fam Sauce

3. Jimmie

Side D

1. As Long As I Love

2. On The Sunny Side Of The Street

3. Summertime

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 1 person(s) rated this product.

Beginings posted on 06/29/2016 5 Stars Reviewer: Al Iossi Her early work was very true to her mentors and why she chose this style of music. Classic arrangement and 1st rate recording, well done. An instant Krall favorite.

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