LIVE IN LIMBO

Diana Krall at Blackcreek Festival 2011

On to more firsts. It was my first visit to the Rexall Tennis Center and the first time I have ever seen jazz played in a stadium. The festival organization was outstanding. Though the lines were long they moved quickly and the sound and stage lighting was great. The addition of two big screens made it possible for everyone to see and enjoy all the musician’s movement and emotion.

There were two performers this evening. Two stars, two legends.

The first one was Diana Krall. I’ve dreamt of seeing her live since I first came to Canada and at last I had the chance. It is a huge difference between to see performance on TV/DVD and a live show. You can see real performer, interact with him/her.

Diana came on to the stage like a model on podium – spectacular, impetuous, gentle and slim in a small black dress. The first composition was very quick and virtuous “I love the east, I love the west”. Her performance pulsed like live body. The public fully connected to her improvisations and her lovely voice. I lost myself watching her fingers touch the piano keys on the large screen. Her magical voice and her quick reactions are amazing. As a jet passed over the stadium during her performance Diana quickly incorporated it into her show. Her duet with Steinway was completely organic. Diana was working with great professionals. Bassist Robert Hurst, Kareem Riggins on drums and Anthony Wilson on guitar. Their solo improvisations were bright and dynamic. I noted only one minus with the show. It was just too short. She left all craving more!

Teaser:

There were quite a few firsts for one evening.

It was the first time I visited the Capital One Black Creek Summer Music Festival.

The list of participants caught me by surprise. The festival includes popular music, contemporary jazz, classical symphony, opera concerts, Broadway music, and a mixture of the most acclaimed solo musicians, vocalists, ensembles and conductors in the world.

The full program for the festival can be found here: http://www.blackcreekfestival.com/events/

Teaser:

There were quite a few firsts for one evening.

It was the first time I visited the Capital One Black Creek Summer Music Festival.

The full program for the festival can be found here: http://www.blackcreekfestival.com/events/

Teaser:

There were quite a few firsts for one evening.

It was the first time I visited the Capital One Black Creek Summer Music Festival.

The full program for the festival can be found here: http://www.blackcreekfestival.com/events/

Teaser:

There were quite a few firsts for one evening.

It was the first time I visited the Capital One Black Creek Summer Music Festival.

The full program for the festival can be found here: http://www.blackcreekfestival.com/events/

Sean Chin

Chief Editor & Founder of Live in Limbo. Host & Producer of the Capsule Podcast. Sean is an award-winning photographer and Nikon Professional Services member. His work has appeared on the CBC, Pitchfork, and MUCH. He is an Academy Delegate at the JUNOs (CARAS) and has been involved in the Toronto music scene since 2005. He is also an endurance and CrossFit athlete. You should follow him on Twitter @SeanChin.