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It was a conscious decision that gave her music an elegance and elasticity that has served her well. Although she often returned to the classic songs written in the first half of the 20th century, Krall expanded the definition of the American Songbook to encompass bossa nova and pop/rock singer/songwriters, occasionally exploring forgotten sectors of 20th-century pop and jazz. Throughout her career, Krall has managed to balance traditionalism with a sense of stylish adventure, which has helped her retain both a jazz and crossover audience.

Only Trust Your Heart was successful enough that she moved to Impulse!

Born and raised in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Diana Krall grew up in a musical household. Her father was an amateur piano player and her mother was part of a choir. Krall started playing piano when she was four, and she quickly excelled. In high school, she specialized in jazz, playing it at school and at low-key local gigs. Her prowess earned her a scholarship to Boston's Berklee College of Music, which she attended between 1981 and 1983, leaving the school so she could head to Los Angeles to pursue a career in jazz.