The Girl in the Other Room

Released in 2004, 'The Girl in the Other Room' is a pivotal departure for Diana Krall, marking her first significant foray into original songwriting. Co-written largely with her husband Elvis Costello, the album was heavily influenced by the recent passing of her mother, lending the project a palpable sense of mourning and introspection. While Krall had built her career on impeccable interpretations of jazz standards, this record incorporates covers from contemporary writers like Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell, and Mose Allison, signaling a broader 'Contemporary Jazz' palette. Produced by Krall alongside long-time collaborator Tommy LiPuma and engineered by Al Schmitt, the album maintains audiophile-grade production but opts for a drier, more intimate 'small group' sound. It peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, proving that her audience was willing to follow her into more challenging, personal territory.