08/03/2009
DVD:: 0 comments: by Ethan Nahté
Jazz Classics & Standards in a South American setting.
One of the hottest female jazz pianists of the past few years is Canadian composer Diana Krall. The blonde beauty has returned to Rio de Janeiro for her Live in Rio DVD, featuring her alongside a couple of her idols and mentors (which is discussed in some of the interviews in the special features of the disc), bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton. Guitarist Anthony Wilson, who looks a bit like Eric Clapton on the stage, and Rio native Paulinho DaCosta on percussion fill out the ensemble. The band also has The Rio de Janeiro Orchestra, conducted by Ruria Duprat, backing them on most of the 18 tracks.
Krall chose to do a set full of classics & jazz standards instead of any original material. The songs include Sinatra songs, Big Band tunes and a rendition of “The Girl From Ipanema” with the gender switched. The audience sings along in their native language of Portuguese as Krall performs. There is also a promotional video for the song in the extras.
A selection of tracks include “Cheek to Cheek,” “S’Wonderful,” “Frim Fram Sauce,” ”Let’s Fall in Love” and “Every Time We Say Goodbye.” It seems that every member of the band is attempting to see who can almost touch their instrument as the songs seem to be an exercise in subtlety as they combine the standards with a bossa nova flavor. It’s interesting watching how effortlessly Krall plays her eighth and sixteenth notes as she flows through the tunes.
The interviews in the special features contain subtitles in English, Spanish & French. The interview footage is combined with gorgeous views of the beach, mountains and the large statue of Christ atop the mountain. Some of these sites are also in the booklet that accompanies the DVD. Interestingly enough, there are no subtitles in Portuguese, which seems like it would’ve been a given. The disc is in widescreen format and the audio can be listened to in DTS, Dolby Surround 5.1 and Dolby Digital Stereo.
For an evening of subtle, beauteous and amazing renditions of old time favorites; Diana Krall: Live in Rio is a great choice to relax to.
Location: Dallas
Occupation: Video & Film Producer/Director, Journalist, Titan Comics
Bio: Began playing music in clubs @ the age of 13 while simultaneously getting published in school mags. Moved on to TV and has shot everything from naked women to wolves! He's traveled a 1/2 mile under the earth and a 1/2 mile above with his cameras! Currently working on a documentary, a novel and attempts to sleep when not corrupting America's youth as a substitute teacher. LIVE'N'LOUD
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