Diana Krall
Vocalist Diana Krall has become a sensation in the jazz world. Reaching across genre borders with her lush voice and simple, yet soulful piano style, she has become one of the best-selling jazz artists around, appealing to an audience that isn't limited to jazz aficionados.
Krall began playing the piano at age four, and was exposed to her father's jazz records. She had already become a local singer and performer in her hometown of Nanaimo, British Columbia, when she was awarded a scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
Encouraged by bassist Ray Brown and drummer Jeff Hamilton who were impressed with her singing, Krall moved to Los Angeles, California to study with pianist Jimmy Rowles. Rowles, who was best known for accompanying singers such as Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, helped Diana Krall develop her singing and self-accompaniment on the piano.
In 1990, Krall moved to New York City, and two years later she recorded her first album, Stepping Out, released by Justin Time Records with bassist John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton. The album caught the attention of producer Tommy Lipuma, a music producer who had worked with Miles Davis, Nat "King" Cole, George Benson, and others.
Since then, Krall has enjoyed a successful career, recording and performing with jazz greats such as Russell Malone, Christian McBride, and Tony Bennett. Three of her albums have been nominated for Grammys, and one, Live in Paris (Verve, 2002,) won the Grammy for best jazz vocal album. Her recordings consistently rank highly on the Billboard charts. Her album Quiet Nights (Verve, 2009) features a full orchestra with arrangements by Claus Ogerman backing up Krall's sultry vocals.
Krall continues to perform internationally, styling jazz with her pop sensibility. In 2003, Krall married pop star Elvis Costello, and the two live in New York City with their twin sons.
Krall began playing the piano at age four, and was exposed to her father's jazz records. She had already become a local singer and performer in her hometown of Nanaimo, British Columbia, when she was awarded a scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
Encouraged by bassist Ray Brown and drummer Jeff Hamilton who were impressed with her singing, Krall moved to Los Angeles, California to study with pianist Jimmy Rowles. Rowles, who was best known for accompanying singers such as Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, helped Diana Krall develop her singing and self-accompaniment on the piano.
In 1990, Krall moved to New York City, and two years later she recorded her first album, Stepping Out, released by Justin Time Records with bassist John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton. The album caught the attention of producer Tommy Lipuma, a music producer who had worked with Miles Davis, Nat "King" Cole, George Benson, and others.
Since then, Krall has enjoyed a successful career, recording and performing with jazz greats such as Russell Malone, Christian McBride, and Tony Bennett. Three of her albums have been nominated for Grammys, and one, Live in Paris (Verve, 2002,) won the Grammy for best jazz vocal album. Her recordings consistently rank highly on the Billboard charts. Her album Quiet Nights (Verve, 2009) features a full orchestra with arrangements by Claus Ogerman backing up Krall's sultry vocals.
Krall continues to perform internationally, styling jazz with her pop sensibility. In 2003, Krall married pop star Elvis Costello, and the two live in New York City with their twin sons.
