Diana Krall in Providence

About Diana Krall

Diana Krall is a Canadian jazz pianist and vocalist who became one of the best-selling jazz artists of the last two decades by making the Great American Songbook feel contemporary and lived-in. Born in Nanaimo, British Columbia in 1973, she studied in Los Angeles and London before releasing her breakthrough album "When I Look in Your Eyes" in 1999, which unexpectedly climbed mainstream charts worldwide. Her version of "The Look of Love" epitomizes her approach: sultry but never overwrought, delivered with the clarity of someone who understands every lyric she's singing. She's since become synonymous with sophisticated pop-jazz territory, working with producer Tommy LiPuma and touring arenas instead of clubs. Her appeal crosses generations because she treats these old songs with genuine respect rather than nostalgia. Krall plays piano at the core of everything—her fingers on the keys are the real voice here, with her vocals layered on top rather than vice versa.

Her shows are intimate despite the venue size. Audiences sit quietly, attentive, leaning forward. She plays piano for real at every show, no backing tracks. The energy is sophisticated and calm, with occasional moments of genuine wit between songs. People dress up. You hear silverware clinking.

Known for The Look of Love, Fly Me to the Moon, Black Keys, I'll Look Around, Love Looks Good on You

Diana Krall + Providence

Diana Krall brought her piano-centered jazz to Providence Performing Arts Center in June 2017, delivering the kind of intimate sophistication that defines her career. The Canadian pianist and vocalist moved through her catalog with the ease of someone who's played these songs thousands of times—which, by that point, she had. She leaned into the standards that made her famous, let the band breathe around her, and didn't oversell anything. The crowd got what they came for: a master craftsperson doing her thing in a beautiful room.

Diana Krall in Providence News

• PHOTOS: Newport Jazz -- From Hancock to Batiste to Krall and Much More Go Local Prov · Aug 7, 2023
• Diana Krall To Head Out Of Six Month Tour Noise11.com · May 18, 2017
• Diana Krall announces new tour, album, return to jazz San Diego Union-Tribune · Feb 7, 2017
• Review: Diana Krall concert spans musical eras The Providence Journal · Mar 5, 2015
• With motherhood, Krall's finally content SouthCoastToday.com · May 21, 2009

Live Music in Providence

Providence has a soft spot for jazz, the kind that doesn't need to prove itself. The city's venues tend to attract sophisticated acts—touring pianists, vocal-led combos, established names looking for a thoughtful room. Krall fits naturally into that ecosystem. She's never been about flash or novelty, which resonates here. The audience that turns out for her tends to actually listen, which is probably why she keeps coming back.

Providence road trip to see Diana Krall?

Stay in College Hill, where you can actually walk around without feeling like you're in a dead zone—the neighborhood has real restaurants and bars. Eat at Chez Pascal or Oberlin for something serious. Before the show, spend an afternoon at the RISD Museum, which is legitimately excellent and free if you're a student or cheap enough if you're not. The museum's collection is small enough to actually process in a couple hours, which beats most cities. Walk down Benefit Street afterward. It's the kind of place that reminds you why people actually used to settle in New England intentionally.