Written by Joni Mitchell

We have already celebrated the release of Diana Krall’s cd, Wallflower, a year ago with the review of its gorgeous Paul McCartney’s ballad, “If I Take You Home Tonight.” Last September, Verve Records delighted Krall’s fans with Wallflower (The Complete Sessions), a special release that included all the sixteen songs of the original deluxe edition plus four other songs recorded on those sessions. Those new tracks aren’t filler instead they deliver more magic by the Canadian songbird under the masterful guidance of David Foster thus giving us the welcome opportunity to showcase again this work of art.

Two songs are classics by Canadian legends, Gordon Lightfoot with “If You Could Read My Mind” and Neil Young with “Heart Of Gold.” The first is a gem of a duet with Sarah Mclachlan while the second sports a great arrangement where echoes of country meet Foster’s orchestral pop touches. The same recipe applies to the breezy cover of Fred Neil’s evergreen, “Everybody’s Talkin’,” a duet with Vince Gill that’s also a showcase for co-producer Jochem van der Saag’s fantastic sound design and rhythm programming. Those aforementioned tunes are all winners but the absolute showstopper among the new tracks is, “A Case Of You.” This composition belongs to the precious songbook of another Canadian treasure, Joni Mitchell and was originally part of her seminal 1971 album, “Blue.” Krall was deeply influenced by Mitchell’s amazing body of work and she approached this song with great respect. Her vocal performance is totally mesmerizing with her husky voice caressing those wonderful lyrics accompanied by her stellar piano playing. If this wasn’t enough Foster added the most extraordinary orchestral arrangement written by Vince Mendoza. Mendoza is a genius and his work on this tender track is more sheer evidence. Foster produced the tune with a smart, understated touch. “A Case Of You” in Krall’s hands is obviously more jazz-oriented but without losing an ounce of the delicate beauty of Mitchell’s original version.
We have asked David Foster to add a few words about this wonderful production and here’s what he wrote us:
“Diana was very hesitant to record “A Case Of You.” She had performed it live but didn’t really want to commit to a studio version. I convinced her to do just two takes. We put those two takes together with a live vocal and then I convinced her to let Vince (Mendoza) have his own way with it. He absolutely killed it, just like you wrote in the review and Diana ended up really loving the final result. She has such respect and reverence for Joni that she didn’t want to disappoint anyone. She certainly didn’t!!”

Listen

Lead Vocal & Piano: Diana Krall
Orchestal Arrangement by Vince Mendoza
Produced by David Foster
Co-Produced by Jochem van der Saag

Lyrics

Just before our love got lost you said,
“I am as constant as a northern star.”
And I said, “Constantly in the darkness.
Where’s that at? If you want me I’ll be in the bar.”

On the back of a cartoon coaster
In the blue TV screen light
I drew a map of Canada, oh Canada
With your face sketched on it twice

Oh, you are in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter and you taste so sweet
Oh, I could drink a case of you, darling
And I’d still be on my feet
I’d still be on my feet

Oh, I am a lonely painter
I live in a box of paints
I’m frightened by the devil
And I’m drawn to those ones that ain’t afraid
I remember that time you told me
“Love is touching souls”
Well surely you touched mine
‘Cause part of you pours out of me
In these lines from time to time

Oh, you’re in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter and so sweet
Oh I could drink a case of you
I could drink a case of you, darling
And I’d still be on my feet
I’d still be on my feet

I met a woman
She had a mouth like yours
She knew your life
She knew your devils and your deeds
And she said, “Go to him, stay with him if you can
But be prepared to bleed”

Oh, you are in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter and you taste so sweet
Oh, I could drink a case of you, darling
And I’d still be on my feet
I’d still be on my feet.

written by David Foster, Jay Graydon & Al Jarreau

The Metropole Orkest from the Netherlands is one of the best ensembles when it comes to fuse jazz and classical with the most refined popular music. Through the years, with the fundamental help of world-class arranger Vince Mendoza, The Metropole Orkester has collaborated with fantastic artists like Ivan Lins, Pat Metheny, Gino Vannelli and Chaka Khan.

Last but not least in this list of legends is Al Jarreau who recently released a brilliant live album with the Metropole Orkester. Again, Mendoza’s brilliant work and the ultra-talented musicians reinvent Jarreau’s songs giving them a different twist. The veteran pop/jazz virtuoso is still in fine form vocally and shines throughout the concert. If there’s a little complain is that, in our opinion, the track-list doesn’t focus enough on the golden years of Jarreau’s collaboration with Jay Graydon but that’s really a little fault given the quality of the overall performance. There are spectacular renditions of standards like “Agua De Beber” and “Spain” that already belong to the singer’s classic repertoire plus jazz pieces like “I’m Beginning To See The Light” and “Midnight Sun” that give the singer plenty of room to shine. “We’re In This Love Together” from “Breakin’ Away” and especially a gorgeous re-working of Jarreau’s hit ballad, “After All” are two of the highlights. “After All” originally included on “High Crime,” in 1985, is like fine wine and sounds absolutely perfect in this orchestral setting under Mendoza’s respectful hands that enhance the romanticism of this gem co-written by the singer with Graydon and David Foster. If you want to learn more about The Metropole Orkest go to youtube and enjoy their incredible performances with some of the best performers on the planet.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/after_all.mp3|titles=After All|artists=Al Jarreau]

Lead Vocals: Al Jarreau

With The Metropole Orkester

Produced, Arranged & Conducted by Vince Mendoza
Co-Produced by Joe Turano

Lyrics

There, there was a time I knew
That no matter come what may, love would prevail.
Then, inside the dream, I knew
Came the question lovers fear, Can true love fail?

Then I would miss the childhood wish and haven’t I sung to you
Of a knight in armor bright, faithful and true to you, darling,

After all, I will be the one to hold you in my arms
After all, I will be the one to hold you
I will be the one to hold you in my arms, in my arms.

I know in my heart and mind
that no matter come what may, love will survive.
Love, the author of space and time.
Keeps the violins and each sparrow alive.

And the love that heals the wound after the war is through
Is the knight in armor bright, faithful and true to you.

After all, I will be the one to hold you in my arms
After all, I will be the one to hold you
I will be the one to hold you in my arms, in my arms.

Don’t you know
After all, I will be the one to hold you in my arms
Telling you
After all, I will be the one to hold you in my arms, in my arms