Four star rating DIANA Krall ran out of weather-themed songs early in her set at Kenwood on Saturday. This was prompted by the dark and stormy night we all knew we were in for when we set out – but went anyway. The obligatory

REVIEW: DIANA KRALLAT Kenwood

Four star rating

DIANA Krall ran out of weather-themed songs early in her set at Kenwood on Saturday.

This was prompted by the dark and stormy night we all knew we were in for when we set out - but went anyway. The obligatory picnics were joined by raincoats, brollies, plastic sheeting, water-proofed picnic rugs and, of course, lots of wellies. Just like a proper British music festival.

But for all that, Krall managed to keep our minds off the inclement conditions for much of the time. Which is no mean feat when you consider her style of music is more suited to a jazz club than an outdoor stage. Somehow, she kept it intimate while singing out to the expanses of a huge field.

Krall, a native of Vancouver Island, said she felt quite at home in the conditions.

But even with that background in the wet and windy, she could not help but jump a little when the wind started to rattle the stage ornaments.

"Yes, it is scary," she said, looking over at her band. It brought an already tight band together even more.

Krall is not afraid to share the spotlight with the three-piece backing players and was forever name-checking their contributions, which were considerable.

Even during the most intimate songs, all the players were lit - never once did the spotlight fall solely on Krall.

Here was a band that thoroughly enjoyed what they were doing - no rock 'n' roll posturing, just plenty of smiles and appreciation for each other's craft.

Krall has such great vocal range and a true jazz voice that she could give Burt Bacharach's standard The Look Of Love and other slower numbers a sultry delivery, while having the power to project the more lively songs.

She has become one of the great modern interpreters of George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hart, Van Heusen and Cahn, as well as Bacharach and Hal David. But added to the voice is her stunning piano playing - a truly winning combination.

The only real interruption came when she called husband Elvis Costello on stage for a snog after being apart for five weeks, each on tour at the same time.

If you do have to go out at night to sit on damp grass and become wet through, then it is just as well to have someone of Krall's calibre to take your mind off the discomfort.

Barry Reynolds