2005 · Album
Christmas Songs
Recorded 2005 · Verve Records · Orchestra: The Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra
A Sharp Turn Into the Holidays
Krall steps into big band territory for the first time, trading her trio intimacy for orchestral warmth.
By 2005, Diana Krall had built a substantial career on her own terms—piano-led, intimate, controlled. Christmas Songs represents a genuine departure: her first full-length holiday album and her first time working with a big band. It's worth asking whether this was a natural progression or a commercial calculation. The answer is probably both, and neither is a knock against the record.
Working with The Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Krall steps into a different kind of space. The arrangements wrap her piano playing in lush strings and horns, something her earlier records had resisted. On a record like this, the risk is obvious—lose the clarity and directness that made her voice distinctive in the first place. What matters is whether she keeps her footing, and mostly she does. The holiday material gives her something to lean into rather than dominate, which turns out to suit her. The orchestra doesn't swallow her; it gives her room to breathe differently.
Critically, the record landed unevenly. Tom Hull heard something solid enough to rate it highly, but The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings was more reserved. It's neither a peak nor a stumble—it's an interesting fork in the road, and one that led somewhere real for Krall's later work. For listeners who know her piano trio records, this is worth hearing as a specific choice, not a detour.
Who's playing
Robert Hurstbass
John Claytonbass
Ben Wolfebass
Diana Krallpiano, solo
Anthony Wilsonguitar
Russell Maloneguitar
Jeff Claytonalto saxophone
Keith Fiddmontalto saxophone
Charles Owenstenor saxophone
Adam Schroederbaritone saxophone
Rick Baptisttrumpet
William Barnharttrumpet
Gilberto Castellanostrumpet
Sal Cracchiolotrumpet
Clay Jenkinstrumpet
George Bohanontrombone
Ira Nepustrombone
Ryan Portertrombone
Jeff Hamiltondrums
Joe Porcaropercussion
David DukeFrench horn
Joe MeyerFrench horn
Rick ToddFrench horn
Brad WarnaarFrench horn
Tommy Johnsontuba
Rickey Woodardclarinet
Where next?
More by Diana Krall
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