With these two CDs, we enter a time warp of sorts. Mark Ronson’s album is the funk of the ’80s resurrected along with other choice sounds from that era. In the case of Diana Krall, it’s how she has chosen an album-full of pop music gems to turn into Krall standards.
Uptown Special by Mark Ronson (Sony Records) — Ronson may be British, but he’s always been proud about spending his formative years in New York City, and starting his DJ career while growing up in America. In more ways than one, the album is a tribute to that stage in his life, with the music heavily influenced by the diversity of the ’80s sound — the music Ronson was immersed in and loved.
Stevie Wonder on harmonica sets the tone for this time warp of a concept on the first track, Uptown’s First Finale. Feel Right recalls James Brown updated for today, and of course, there’s the funk of hit single Uptown Funk with Bruno Mars. On other tracks like Crack In the Pearl Part II, we remember Steely Dan. I Can’t Lose is Pointer Sisters’ come back to life. A well-made trip down memory lane.
Wallflower by Diana Krall (Verve Records) — One can’t fault Krall for the impeccable selection of songs that date back from the mid-’60s, all the way to the late-’70s. And while one knows what to expect from her alto, almost smoky, hoarse voice; you can’t help but smile at how she gives these tunes the Krall treatment. From the Beatles to Jim Croce, the Eagles, Dylan, Elton John, Crowded House and 10cc, it seems all my favorites from that era are duly represented. Stripped down to her voice and orchestral arrangements, there is similarity to the tempo, only alleviated by her take on Yeh Yeh; but given this is Krall, what could you expect? With the likes of Michael Bublé and Bryan Adams as guests, my only comment is that her voice is practically as low as theirs. It’s a very chill tribute to legendary pop music.