DIANA KRALL
Stepping Out (Justin Time)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Justin Time has re-released Diana Krall's 1992 debut, remastered with 24-bit/96 khz technology and tucked in an unreleased track from the sessions to boot. If you haven't heard the album, you might be tempted to think their cashing in on the artist's recent success by pumping out a CD of music done by a twenty-five year old who had a lot of growing to do before she would become the Grammy nominated cover girl of the jazz world. Once you hear it, you'll realize that Justin Time has done jazz fans a big favor by getting some outstanding early tracks back in the racks for those who missed out first time around.

While it's true that Krall had a lot of room for growth at this early stage, it's amazing just how together she already was as a vocalist and as an instrumental improvisationist. She might not do the definitive version of each of the standards she selected for the disc, but she does a credible job in every case, and an astonishing job in several cases. Swinging and soulful, Krall shows every sign that she would become a jazz phenom with enormous crossover potential, which is just what she did.

The bonus cut of "On The Sunny Side Of The Street" and the terrific sound quality of the remaster make this a valuable acquisition even for those who were there from the beginning and grabbed this one first time out. For those who didn't, well, it's an essential add for Diana Krall fans.

Track List:

This Can't Be Love * Straighten Up And Fly Right * Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea * I'm Just A Lucky So And So * Body And Soul * 42nd Street * Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me * Big Foot * Frim Fram Sauce * Jimmie * As Long As I Live * On The Sunny Side Of The Street

© 2000 - Shaun Dale