For Diana Krall (53), jazz is absolute freedom: in an interview, the Canadian jazz pianist and singer reveals that she is somewhere else after just a few chords.
What does the new album "Turn Up The Quiet" mean to you?
It means an incredible amount to me. I want to make it clear that the album is by no means sad, but cheerful and relaxed.
Does the title refer to your producer Tommy LiPuma, who died shortly before the record was released?
It is very sad. Tommy LiPuma died unexpectedly. I worked with him for a long time and it's very difficult to deal with. One of the last things he said to me was: "You made a beautiful album". Sometimes I feel his presence. It feels good, even if I don't know where it comes from.
"Jazz is the only style of music where you can reinvent a song over and over again."
In 1996, you dedicated the album "All For You" to the Nat King Cole Trio. Does Nat King Cole still influence you?
Of course! Nat King Cole is always in my music. I'm a huge fan.
In the 1920s, people improvised with the so-called stride piano. You use this old technique in the song "LOVE". Why?
That's a good question. (laughs) It wasn't intentional. I heard the version by Ray Brown and Jimmy Rowles. Those two have a big influence on me. Maybe it has something to do with that?
How many takes do you need to record songs?
After five takes at most, it kind of loses the mood. Then I think about it and try again another day. Often I just have to say: "It's not happening". Maybe it's not for me. It happens and it's absolutely normal.
"Even if I play the same song every night, it always sounds different. That's the beauty of jazz."
What does jazz music trigger in you?
Freedom. Jazz is the only style of music where you can reinvent a song over and over again.
Is
that why you decided to
playjazz - andnot classical or pop?
Exactly. Even if I play the same song every night, it will never sound the same twice.
What do you feel when you play?
Some people say you should meditate. That's exactly what I do when I make music. As soon as I've played a few chords, I find myself in a place that many people can't easily get to. I'm a receiver and often don't know where the ideas come from when I'm improvising. It's an incredible feeling of openness.
DIANA KRALL
Thu October 5, 17, Samsung Hall Zurich
Sun October 15, 17, Théâtre du Léman Geneva
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