Wallflower (Grey Vinyl)

On Wallflower, Krall’s stunning and surprising new album for Verve Records, this world-class player has consciously chosen to hand over a little control to 16-time Grammy-winning producer David Foster in order, once again, to do something unexpected. On the new album she has recorded a collection of songs from the '60s to present day, showcasing her considerable gifts as a vocalist in a bold and beautiful way. Krall sings a set of songs that include familiar popular classics like The Mamas and the Papas’ “California Dreaming” and the Eagles’ “Desperado,” favorite vintage songs by Krall’s musical heroes Bob Dylan (he inspired the album’s title track “Wallflower”) and Elton John (“Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word”). The album also features more recent gems like Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and a wonderful new composition from Paul McCartney (“If I Take You Home Tonight”).  Recorded in Los Angeles and New York, Wallflower is a tremendously refreshing and collaborative effort that reflects Krall in a gorgeous new light.

“I have to give a lot of the credit for this album to David,” Krall says. “He’s always said, `Let’s work together’ and finally the timing was right. I was ready to work with David and let him do what he does best. He did all of the arrangements and played a lot of the piano. He blew me away. I always knew David was good but I gained an even further appreciation for his talents as a producer and as a musician.”

That feeling proved to be extremely mutual.

“Working with Diana was fantastic,” says Foster. “I always wondered what it would be like working together. I never thought this would happen because I live in this `pop’ world and Diana lives in this `jazz’ world— or at least that’s how it’s perceived. But one of the many great things about Diana, after knowing her for 25 years, is that she’s truly an outstanding pop singer. Her ability to cross over into pop was a fabulous discovery for me. I’m sure Diana secretly knew about it all along. She tends to be way ahead of the rest of us.”

That connection even helped inspire some of Wallflower’s song selection. “If you think about anyone growing up, even if someone has an extraordinary talent in one area of music, that doesn’t mean that’s all they listen to,” Foster says. “Diana grew up on Vancouver Island just like I did, listening to pop music on Top 40 radio like every other teenager. The songs we’re doing on this album are songs she’s loved since childhood and she sings the hell out of them. Diana is a very musical person and she has a great feel for these songs.  Wallflower is a just another amazing extension of who she is and what she can do.”