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 Vaugh--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.

More info:
http://www.amazon.com/Stepping-Out-Diana-Krall/dp/B0000071FS
Tracklist:
01 - This Can t Be Love
02 - Straighten Up And Fly Right
03 - Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
04 - I m Just A Lucky So And So
05 - Body And Soul
06 - 42nd Street
07 - Do Nothin Till You Hear From Me
08 - Big Foot
09 - Frim Fram Sauce
10 - Jimmie
11 - As Long As I Live