Empty Nest -Whimsical Journey to Survive and Self Actualize : Day 226 Diana Krall- Beautiful and Sultry (Benedum Center, Pittsburgh)

As an “empty- nester” I have been drawn back to my past love for jazz. Diana Krall made a Pittsburgh stop during her “Turn Up the Quit” tour recently. This jazz pianist is a 5 time Grammy winner with 8 albums debuting on the top of the Billboard Jazz charts. It’s her sultry sound and her interpretation of many jazz classics that makes her so unique and appealing to many, including me.

Reflection

Diana Krall is known for her lower vocal range, sometimes whispering, almost speaking the words. I love the way that she feels the music and her smooth vibe radiates through her audience. She opened with the upbeat, “Do I Love You” and continued with “Look of Love” (Nat King Cole) , “Night and Day” (Cole Porter) and one of my favorites “Blue Skies”(Irving Berlin). Then she continued for the next 2 hours! I appreciated that she dedicated “Sunny Side of the Street” to Pittsburgh native Mr. Rogers.

visually beautiful show

She travels with a fantastic band who throughout the show showcased their talent during these jazz standards. I loved the violin player who seemed to take the musical part usually reserved for a saxophone. He made that instrument sing and even sometimes plucked the strings. It produced a unique musical blend.

I expected to hear good music but I did not expect such a wonderful visual experience at show. The screen back drop changed with the feel of the music projecting images and lights that intensified the musical experience. During the song “Temptation” it was flaming red and then it had a dreamy effect for “Moonglow”. Diana Krall created a truly beautiful musical escape.