from WALLFLOWER
Written by Paul McCartney
Diana Krall can seduce with a sultry, soulful song or fascinate with an upbeat, playful melody. Hers is one of the most important names in the jazz world during the past twenty years. Born and bred in Canada , Ms. Krall has taken the music world by storm with her amazing alto voice and superior piano playing skills.
She first touched base with David Foster in 1999 when the super-producer crafted “Why Should I Care” for her and Krall performed that song on the soundtrack of Clint Eastwood’s movie “True Crime.” Then in 2001, the two Canadians would again cross paths when Foster co-wrote with his daughter Amy “I’ll Make It Up As I Go,” a beautiful composition that was included on the soundtrack of “The Score” starring Robert DeNiro and Edward Norton. Since the late nineties, Krall has been a Verve Records artist and with Foster’s recent appointment as the label’s president, a new collaboration was a sure bet.
Beginning of 2014, Krall was back in the studio for a new project overseen by Foster. The result saw the light of day just a couple of weeks ago with the release of “Wallflower.” The new cd gives listeners a little twist in sound as Krall embraces pop evergreens from the seventies and the eighties. This concept was warmly supported by Foster who is one of the best music producer around when it comes to handling quality pop music. He wrote a series of magnificent instrumental arrangements that crossed Krall’s classic jazzy style with a catchy pop approach. Foster enlisted world-class talents including William Ross, Chris Walden and Vince Mendoza to help him provide some spectacular orchestral scores. Krall also had Foster play acoustic piano on most of the record declaring “… I couldn’t play piano like that….he (Foster) put the songs in really difficult keys. Now I’m cursing him, because I’m thinking, how am I going to learn to play them in those keys?” Other giants appearing on “Wallflower” include the legendary drummer Jim Keltner, session aces Nathan East on bass, Ramon Stagnaro on acoustic guitar, Dean Parks and Michael Thompson on guitar and Christian McBride on acoustic bass. Standing out on top of it all is Krall’s gorgeous voice. The singer delivers a string of top-notch performances as her fabulous voice caresses listeners on song after song. Among the classics included here are staples like “California Dreaming” by Mamas & Papas, The Eagles’ “Desperado,” Sir Elton John’s “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word,” “I’m Not In Love” by 10 cc and the Gilbert O’Sullivan hit, “Alone Again (Naturally),” a special duet with Canadian superstar Michael Bublè. Personal favs include another gem by The Eagles, “I Can’t Tell You Why,” delivered in a Brazilian-tinged arrangement and featuring a special guest vocal by writer Timothy B. Schmit. The Jim Croce classic “Operator (That’s Not The Way It Feels)” shows a respectful ear to the revered west coast sound of the late seventies. This tune highlights a special treat with the appearance of two vocal legends, Graham Nash and Stephen Stills who also plays electric guitar. Other highlights on “Wallflower” include a beautiful rendition with an evocative atmosphere of Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and Carpenters 1971 hit “Superstar,” co-written by Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett that Foster reinvents as a bluesy torch song.
The “Song Of The Week” is “If I Take You Home Tonight.” This is a gorgeous original by Sir Paul McCartney and the only new song on “Wallflower.” Foster arranged it with William Ross and they enriched what is already a magnificent melody with the most perfect string arrangement. Krall’s vocals are sublime. She owns the ballad with an understated yet refined performance that’s a true work of art. The result is a modern-day classic that is set to become another evergreen of McCartney’s legendary songbook. The production is flawless and the sound immaculate thanks to Foster and his gifted partner in crime, Jochem van der Saag.
“Wallflower” is a welcome opportunity for music lovers to once again appreciate Krall’s talents. “Wallflower” is also a not-to-miss chance to experience a master class in record arrangement and production. This is not something you frequently find in today’s music world, but a sure bet when you read Foster’s name in the liner notes.
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/if_i_take_you_home_tonight.mp3|titles=If I Take You Home Tonight|artists=Diana Krall]
Lead Vocals: Diana Krall
Piano: David Foster
Guitars: Dean Parks
Drums: Jim Keltner
Bass: Nathan East
Programming & Sound Design: Jochem van der Saag
Orchestra Arranged by David Foster & William Ross
Produced & Arranged by David Foster
Co-Produced by Jochem van der Saag
Lyrics
If I take you home tonight
I will think of songs to sing to you
Music filled with joy and (light)?
If I take you home tonight
If I tell you how I feel
Would you be afraid and run away
I would say my love is real
If you let me take you home tonight
Oh my love let me treat you right
Let me take you home tonight
Oh my love let me treat you right
Let me take you home tonight
If you let me take your hand
There are places I could bring you to
In some unimagined land
If you let me take your hand
Oh my love let me treat you right
Let me take you home tonight
Oh my love let me treat you right
Let me take you home tonight
If I take you home tonight
I will think of songs to sing to you
Music filled with joy and light
If I take you home…
If I take you home…
If I take you home tonight
If I take you home…
If I take you home…
If I take you home tonight