Description
Diana Krall – Only Trust Your Heart – Vinyl Record
Only Trust Your Heart is the second studio album by Diana Krall, released in 1995 and widely regarded as one of the key recordings that established her as a major force in contemporary jazz. Long before she became an international star, Krall demonstrated on this album the qualities that would define her career: sophisticated piano playing, impeccable taste in repertoire, understated yet emotionally resonant vocals, and a deep understanding of the jazz tradition. Elegant, intimate, and beautifully performed, Only Trust Your Heart remains one of the finest early entries in her discography.
Recorded when Krall was still emerging as a significant new voice in jazz, the album captures an artist already possessing a remarkably mature musical identity. Rather than relying on contemporary trends, she embraces classic jazz values—swing, melodic clarity, lyrical interpretation, and ensemble interplay—while bringing a fresh perspective to familiar material. The result is a recording that feels timeless rather than tied to any particular era.
The album takes its title from the song “Only Trust Your Heart,” a composition associated with the great jazz pianist and composer Benny Carter. The title also reflects the emotional approach that characterizes the entire recording. Throughout the album, Krall emphasizes sincerity, intimacy, and emotional honesty, allowing the music to communicate directly without unnecessary embellishment.
A significant strength of the album is its repertoire. Drawing from jazz standards and lesser-known gems, Krall selects material that suits both her vocal style and her strengths as a pianist. The songs explore themes of romance, longing, reflection, and emotional connection, creating a cohesive atmosphere that rewards attentive listening. Her song choices reveal a sophisticated understanding of jazz history while also showcasing her talent for uncovering overlooked material.
Vocally, Krall displays many of the characteristics that would later make her one of the most successful jazz singers of her generation. Her contralto voice is warm, relaxed, and conversational, emphasizing subtle phrasing over dramatic vocal displays. Rather than attempting to overwhelm listeners with technical virtuosity, she communicates through nuance, timing, and emotional authenticity. This restrained approach allows the songs themselves to remain at the center of attention.
Equally important is Krall’s piano playing. Although her vocal performances often receive the most public attention, Only Trust Your Heart highlights her considerable skills as a jazz pianist. Her playing is tasteful, swinging, and harmonically sophisticated, reflecting influences from the great pianists of the jazz tradition while maintaining a distinct personal voice. Throughout the album, she demonstrates an impressive ability to accompany herself while interacting creatively with the other musicians.
The supporting ensemble contributes significantly to the album’s success. Krall is joined by accomplished jazz musicians whose sensitive accompaniment enhances the intimate character of the recording. Their performances emphasize listening, communication, and collective expression rather than individual showmanship, creating an atmosphere that perfectly complements the album’s understated elegance.
Musically, the album remains firmly rooted in the small-group jazz tradition. Swing rhythms, lyrical improvisation, and acoustic instrumentation provide the foundation for performances that feel relaxed yet highly refined. The arrangements avoid unnecessary complexity, allowing the beauty of the melodies and the quality of the musicianship to take center stage.
One of the most appealing aspects of Only Trust Your Heart is its sense of intimacy. The recording feels less like a grand artistic statement and more like an invitation into a private musical conversation. This quality became one of Krall’s trademarks throughout her career and is already fully evident here. The album rewards close listening, revealing subtle details in both the vocal performances and instrumental interplay.
The production reflects the same philosophy of restraint and elegance. The sound is warm, natural, and uncluttered, capturing the nuances of the performances without excessive studio manipulation. This approach helps preserve the authenticity of the music and enhances the feeling of being present in the room with the musicians.
Although later albums would bring Krall broader commercial success and international recognition, Only Trust Your Heart remains important because it documents the emergence of a major jazz artist. Critics praised the album for its musicianship, tasteful repertoire, and mature artistic vision, recognizing that Krall possessed both the technical ability and interpretive insight necessary for a long and distinguished career.
With its sophisticated performances, timeless repertoire, and understated emotional depth, Only Trust Your Heart stands as one of the strongest early recordings in Diana Krall’s catalog. The album captures an artist already displaying the elegance, intelligence, and musical sensitivity that would later make her one of the most celebrated figures in modern jazz. Warm, intimate, and beautifully crafted, it remains a rewarding listening experience and an essential chapter in the story of Diana Krall’s remarkable career.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby
Only Trust Your Heart
I Love Being Here With You
Broadway
The Folks Who Live On The Hill
I’ve Got The World On A String
Squeeze Me
All Night Long
CRS Craft
