Diana Krall

She simplifies lots of classic songs and feels like sufficient effort she places to the score, but either insufficient or unrefined effort for improvisation. Everything she sings seems simplified from jazz to simple pop. She seems to me a female Dean Martin that can put some stuff to the show and show off.

unreceivedogma, I once saw Laura in Central Park, a free concert (not sure they are held any longer), I admire her as a singer, pianist, composer no doubt.  But( isn't there always a but?) I don't see the connection between Laura and Diana K.  What is it you are saying, if I may ask?  

czarivey, thanks for your thoughts/explanation.  I can see where our tastes differ, just a fact, no big thing.  I find the improvisation less to my liking, so I see why we differ in our views of her.  I'm not a big jazz fan, but appreciate that many many are.  Thanks again.

FWIW, I tried (and own) many of  Krall's earlier recordings. They are not really bad, really. And without references I'd probably enjoy them more. I've never heard her live so I can't really comment on here showmanship and whether or not that is additive in a positive way.

What is interesting is that when I want the kind of music that she wants to sing I always reach for Shirley Horn. If you have not heard her do so when you next want a intimate singer/piano player of great talent. 

I have several Shirley Horn recordings, and do like them, a lot, thanks for the reminder.  

@lalitk... Yes, she has a sultry voice and a come hither quality that grabs my attention when she sticks to Jazz/American Song Book recordings. I think The Girl In The Other Room, one of the first times she ventured away from her comfort zone, was actually a very good album. Shirley Horn and Blossom Dearie are mentioned often as influences, some similarities. Maybe she is "Jazz lite" compared to the purists out there, but whatever she is and does, she does well and I just happen to dig her. I feel the same way about Julie London; not the greatest voice, narrow range, but she did more with what she had than many more naturally gifted singers. Julie London captured an era and style in the '60s with her sultry, smokey voice and her languid vocal style. It was said that "she sang as if she was in one room - with you, and that made all the difference." It really is amazing what Julie London could do with such limited vocal range, but within that range she was pure dynamite and a unique talent.