Diana Krall: Live In Paris

Diana Krall's "Live in Paris": ORG's Exquisite Audiophile Triumph

Diana Krall stands as one of the most significant jazz vocalists and pianists of our time. The Canadian artist has sold over 15 million albums worldwide and earned Billboard's recognition as the second greatest jazz artist of the 2000-2009 decade, trailing only the equally remarkable Norah Jones.

A Jazz Icon's Legacy
Krall's commercial achievements speak volumes about her artistic merit—she remains the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. Her trophy case includes three Grammy Awards alongside an impressive collection of nine gold, three platinum, and seven multi-platinum albums. Beyond these accolades, Krall has established her credentials by performing alongside legends like Tony Bennett and Paul McCartney.

While her studio work consistently impresses, Krall's reputation for extraordinary live performances has further cemented her status in the jazz world. "Live in Paris" captures this live magic, showcasing her dynamic vocal range, masterful piano technique, and the sophisticated orchestration that has become her signature.

The Audiophile Treatment
Originally released in 2002 on Verve Records, "Live in Paris" received the premium audiophile treatment in 2011 when Original Recordings Group (not to be confused with ORG Music) reissued the album as a two-disc set on 180-gram vinyl pressed at 45 RPM. This edition benefited from Bernie Grundman's masterful touch, working directly from the original master tapes, with Record Technology Inc. (RTI) handling the pressing duties.

Sonic Excellence
While the original pressing delivered respectable sound quality, ORG's reissue elevates the listening experience to extraordinary heights. Live recordings present unique challenges that studio albums don't face—capturing the energy and atmosphere of a performance while maintaining sonic clarity requires exceptional engineering skill. Creating an audiophile-quality live album on vinyl that satisfies even the most discerning listeners represents an even greater achievement.

The ORG edition of "Live in Paris" succeeds brilliantly on all fronts. The clarity is remarkable, allowing listeners to hear subtle nuances in Krall's voice and piano playing that previous editions obscured. The dynamic range impresses throughout, preserving both delicate quiet passages and more forceful moments with equal fidelity. The vocal presentation positions Krall with perfect presence within the soundstage, while the accompanying musicians occupy distinct, natural spaces around her.

Manufacturing Concerns
Despite these sonic triumphs, the manufacturing quality control falls somewhat short of expectations for a premium limited edition release. Records arrived with noticeable debris on the surfaces, small vinyl strands protruding from the edges, and dust particles embedded in the grooves. A single cleaning cycle proved insufficient to eliminate all the production-generated artifacts causing pops and crackles during playback. Multiple cleaning sessions were required to achieve the optimal listening experience the pressing deserves.

The Vinyl Verdict
Once properly cleaned, this ORG pressing of "Live in Paris" delivers on its audiophile promise with stunning results. Krall's performance shines through with exceptional clarity and presence, creating an immersive experience that nearly transports listeners to the Paris venue.

For collectors fortunate enough to find a copy of this sought-after reissue, the initial cleaning effort represents a small price to pay for the remarkable sonic rewards. The combination of Krall's extraordinary performance, Grundman's masterful mastering, and RTI's pressing expertise (minor quality control issues notwithstanding) creates a reference-quality recording that showcases both the artist and the potential of the vinyl format at its finest.

This pressing has rightfully earned its place in the collections of both dedicated jazz enthusiasts and audiophiles seeking demonstration-worthy recordings that truly capture the magic of live musical performance.💰

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