Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 144 - Featuring Great Works by Master Producers Part 7 - Tommy LiPuma and Diana Krall

Which artist is known for super-classic albums in contrast to unconventional ones?

In the previous Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal, I introduced Ricky Peterson’s masterpiece Nightwatch, produced by Tommy LiPuma and Ben Sidran.

One feature of albums produced by Tommy LiPuma is that the sound is well-organized, elegant, and filled with an academic flavor, without being packed with too many instruments. Another characteristic is that synthesizers are rarely used. In this sense, Ricky Peterson’s album was a produced album that didn’t quite fit the usual style of Tommy LiPuma. While the influence of the two producers can be considered, the result was undoubtedly well-done. This showed that Tommy LiPuma’s brand power was still strong.

Masataka Matsutoya, the producer and arranger known for his great taste, highly praised this album at the time.

This time, I will focus on one of the most classic musicians produced by Tommy LiPuma.

Tommy LiPuma’s Protégé, Diana Krall

Diana Krall, a Canadian jazz pianist and singer, graduated from Berklee College of Music and was invited to pursue a career by the famous bassist Ray Brown. She has continued to be a world-leading musician, singing jazz and playing jazz piano.

Every album Diana Krall has released respects jazz while also presenting new perspectives, making each album fantastic. Most of the albums released have been produced by Tommy LiPuma.

In a sense, Diana Krall is the musician who received the most affection from Tommy LiPuma, and it is safe to say that she was the most successful of his productions.

Diana Krall has won numerous Grammy Awards and has left the most impressive achievements as a singing female jazz pianist. Her husband is rock musician Elvis Costello, and she is also a mother of two.

Diana Krall’s music spans a variety of genres, from jazz to bossa nova and pop. It is believed that the influence of her husband, Elvis Costello, played a significant role in this broad musical background.

■ Recommended Album: Diana Krall - Live in Paris (2002)

A masterpiece of Diana Krall’s live album from the Olympia Theater in Paris!
Tommy LiPuma fully utilizes his production skills to emphasize Diana’s strengths.
Simple and gorgeous. Despite being a live album, Tommy LiPuma’s craftsmanship is unwavering.
The way the skilled players, Diana Krall’s singing, and piano playing come together in perfect harmony is truly remarkable.
With this album, Diana Krall won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance.

Recommended Song: “Fly Me to the Moon”

A well-known standard and a true classic. Diana Krall’s skill as a pianist is fully displayed here. Comparing this solo to those of countless pianists who’ve played this piece, I’ve never heard such a creative and varied performance. Since it’s an improvised solo recorded live, I’m sure I’m not the only one who would like to hear other takes of this performance.
Also, as with all of her songs, Diana’s skill in faking her vocals stands out. I imagine this comes from her natural jazz sense and rhythm. The essence of jazz is condensed in her scat and vocal improvisations. These are the kinds of moments you can only experience in a live album, making the performance even more special.

■ Recommended Album: Diana Krall - Christmas Songs (2005)

This is one of the finest Christmas albums I’ve ever listened to. The song selection is excellent, and Diana Krall’s vocal performance is extraordinary. The combination with the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and the fantastic arrangement of the tracks is simply outstanding! Diana Krall’s vocals are perfectly complemented by the orchestra’s glorious and swinging performance.
Producer Tommy LiPuma’s meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the album, making it shine.

Recommended Track: “Jingle Bells”

With just a minimal combo ensemble of bass, guitar, and drums, Diana’s vocals alone bring the world of jazz to life. The arrangement, which builds with the addition of the orchestra, is nothing short of glamorous. Furthermore, Diana’s sexy scat vocals intertwine with the orchestra, culminating in a grand finale with a piano solo, creating a perfectly calculated development. It’s a brilliant recreation of the vision that Tommy LiPuma had in mind.

Recommended Track: “Winter Wonderland”

Listening to Diana’s swinging vocals guided by the double bass, I’m constantly amazed by the innate sense of rhythm and feel she possesses. The acoustic piano solos and fills, which are crafted from the overflowing jazz sensibility in every part of her body, are truly captivating. Diana is nothing short of a muse born to sing jazz.

Musicians, Albums, and Recommended Tracks Featured in This Article

• Artist: Diana Krall, and others
• Albums: Live in Paris, Christmas Songs
• Recommended Tracks: “Fly Me to the Moon”, “Jingle Bells”, “Winter Wonderland”

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