.....So let's not discourage Joe from trying Diana Krall's music. Thanks. Craig |
Rayhall; Aretha Franklin (early) is truly one of the best, and glad to see we agree on her. Craig |
Amazing, but all of you guys above have good taste. I totally agree with Lj's and Sd's Jennifer Warnes nomination and I really like both "Famous Blue Raincoat", and "The Hunter"; Re: John, I love Margo Timmins on both "the Trinity Session" and also "The Caution Horses". And I have all of Koko Taylor's CDs and Many of Etta James'. K.T.s' "walking the Back Streets" practically makes me cry. I would also nominate Loreena McKennitt's-- well they're all good. And Mai're Brennan, self titled (M. Brennan is also lead singer for the Irish group Clannad, and sister of Enya). I'm just now starting to appreciate Diana Krall-- got her latest CD and she's great, and yeah, Barbra Streisand. For lyrics, Melissa Etheridge. Cheers. Craig. |
.....It's got to be noted that Margo Timmins voice is at once seductive, haunting, and intimate. WOW. Craig |
....Agree with Deshapiro re: Emmylou Harris. Her best CD-- "Cowgirl's Prayer" is relatively recent and is an excellent recording. Also Linda Ronstadt's early music, ie Greatest Hits Vols. 1 and 2 really are GH. Craig |
....I should have added Natalie Cole's "Unforgettable"-- outstanding; and Anne Murray has one of the great voices of the last half century, IMHO. Craig |
Rayhall; Diana Krall's voice/music "excites" me. The other singers you mentioned don't (except for Natalie Cole's jazz ballads). Listening to Barbra Streisand max out her voice three quarters of the way through every song doesn't do much for me. "Beauty is in the 'ear' of the beholder, IMHO. Exciting Listening. Craig. |
...After reading Rayhalls' and Sramas' decidedly harsh criticisms of Diana Kralls' music, I listened to the one CD I have of hers, and the next day went out and bought three more-- to help ensure her "commercial" success. I don't actually know much about jazz singers as it's a genre I don't generally like. But I do know that I like Diana Krall's jazz/ballads, and her lush, husky, beautiful voice IS enough for my obviously limited intellectual and emotional capabilities-- despite what Rayhall says. I was pleased and surprised to see that Srama likes Margo Timmins music as she's one of my favorites also, but it rather amazes me that he could like Margo Timmins voice but not D.K.s? Margo Timmins voice has many of the same characteristics that Rayhall critisizes in D.K., eg limited vocal range, and M.T. has poor ennunciation-- but expressive, yes; intimate, seductive, and haunting all at once. I have all the Cowboy Junkies CDs. Both singers (on MY system) sound like they are in the room with me. Cheers, Craig. |
Gentlemen; I like the idea of a truce too, and I admit my post re: Diana Krall was sarcastic in places. To tell the truth, I have not yet been able to put into words what it is about her music that appeals to me, but I listened to DK for 3-4 hours last night and just sort of "melted" into her soft, breathy, husky, intimate vocals on her ballads; very relaxing and engaging. I also note that her band creates an amazing amount of "music" for just three pieces. BTW I program out all the uptempo songs. Happy Listening. Craig. |
Hi Redkiwi; I appreciate your response and explanation about what it is that jazz lovers really appreciate. As noted above, I'm not into jazz, in fact my entire jazz collection consists of a few Natalie Cole, Nat King Cole, and now some Diana Krall CDs. Further, I delete the "up-tempo" music on jazz CDs. Also a few Barbra Streisand CDs if jazz wants to claim her. I do have a lot of Ray Charles, but it's for his soul, rock, and ballads-- I delete the jazzy stuff. In short, I have little expertise or interest in the genre, and thus not much to contribute. After reading some of these posts (re: jazz) it occurred to me that I may like Dianna Krall's jazz/ballads because they are very "unjazz" like, and more like pop ballads??? Blues, Soul, rock, pop, newage, and even some C/W are mainly what move me, and unlike Redkiwi (and I think Rayhall, and Srama), I'm not often into the cerebral aspects of music, but prefer the emotional side much more. This post is sort of personal, but it gives me a chance to respond to Rayhall, Srama, as well as Redkiwi. Cheers, Craig. |
....I should add that I know the dividing line between blues and jazz is very fine, and crossover is common, eg I recognize the great talent of B.B. King in both blues and jazz, but he is not one of my favorites in blues. Give me Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, and Etta James-- PURE BLUES. Thanks again. Craig. |
Hi Tom; I enjoyed your post and thanks for the support-- well stated for the "music is emotion" believers. And it means more coming from a muscian. I wasn't able to respond very effectively to Rayhall's questions because quite frankly, I don't take an analytical approach when listening to music. Another recommendation: Etta James "Love, Life, and the Blues". Yes, the ML 360S is a great DAC and a major upgrade for me, but I don't know where I posted it? Cheers, Craig. |
Karen Carpenter sang a song titled "Crescent Noon" that never became very popular but is absolutely beautiful. Sometimes I put the ol' CD player on infinite repeat and listen to it for half an hour at a time. She's one of my choices too. Tom; Robert Harley owns and loves the Eidolons also, (I'm sure you know that) and from his descriptions "they are so real it's spooky"-- you are lucky. Thanks, Craig. |
