Diana Krall Tribute
Images: Huge thanks to Heydemann Art of Photography and The Port Theatre Nanaimo BC.
Tough Act to Follow - a tribute to Diana Krall
Native to Nanaimo BC, Narissa Young and Scott Arkell have created a tribute to Diana Krall to celebrate her contribution to the jazz world and the impact with jazz students who followed after her rise to success. Their passion for music and synergy with Nanaimo are what makes this project so special.
Narissa, a lifelong student of music, went through the music education system in Nanaimo starting on alto saxophone then bass guitar and voice, just 5 years after Diana and sharing a few of the same teachers and musical influences. A seasoned performer and experienced vocalist, Narissa's main goal is to shine light on Diana's success and what it took to achieve it, honouring her by elegantly performing “in the style of” some of the incredible songs Diana has recorded through the years. Intrigued since she started listening to Diana's music years ago, Narissa is excited for this special journey and the chance to remind folks that music education matters.
Scott has been playing piano since the age of 3 and was taught by his grandmother Audrey Thomas, also Diana's first piano teacher. Classically trained he added jazz study to his repertoire at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo. Scott's ability and professionalism is limitless as he is eager to expand his own musicality through this project. A highly creative soloist and an effective accompanist he and Narissa have enjoyed a musical partnership since early 2018. Fluent in a wide variety of styles, Scott is a true showman who always commands attention.
Infused with stories and inspiration about Diana and Nanaimo, this will be an homage we hope she'll be truly flattered by. We are enjoying the process of exploring the musical journey of Diana Krall through music, mutual friends and the places where it all began. Show is presented in trio format with jazz veteran Rick Kilburn on bass who played with Diana in the 80’s.
*this show debuted in early 2020 and is currently on hiatus