Irene Kral - Better Than Anything

[@hydropolite]

The definitive version of this song

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Every evening before going to sleep I have a read whilst listening (quietly) to Jazz FM a U.K. station. On April 1st 2019, I was surprised and delighted when dear old Jazz FM played this recording. I have commented before but could not resist this. IO love this so much. Regards from England.

[@bigmaxcc]

Same here

[@ronaldstrange8981]

@@bigmaxcc This one record introduced me to Irene. Have enjoyed her music since 2019. Thanks for your comment. October 2021.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Said it before. so excuse me for reprating. This is the definitive version of this wonderful song. Of course, being 84 (November 2020) I do understand the lyricss. Please enjoy and continue to listen and support. Regards from England. Keep safe and well and vote for.........

[@Seekrr97]

I love this sing - Irene Kral's smooth voice was a sleeper in the world of Cool Jazz.

[@mscsunshine5531]

1 amazing song with 3 stellar versions: Irene Kral; Al Jareau and Natalie Cole with Diane Krall. A metaphor for life's variety!!!

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Great comments from a devoted fan. Of course, young people may not understand the lyrics which are so evocative to us oldies. Cheers.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Isn't it time you visited Irene again? I have become such a fan since first discovering her in 2017. This particular song is so evocative. I love it.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

December 2020. Still listening to this delightful singer and enjoying so very much. Of course, being 84, I really do understand the lyrics. Keep safe abd well......and keep listening to Irene.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Fell in love with Irene after hearing this record. Never hear her in England apart from occasionally on Jazz FM. If you enjoy this type of music (and Irene) google KABL960 where the music is fantastic, if you appreciate the oldies and goodies. Irene features regularly. I listen to very little else now. Please give it a whirl and advise. Regards.

[@claassen334]

So great !!! I just dicovered her and am completely in love with her singing ! Does anybody have the complete lyrics of this version ??? Please ? Thanks !

[@ronaldstrange8981]

October 2019 and still listening. Try radio station KABL960 (San Francisco) where Irene features regularly. Still love this recording so much. Regards.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

It was a very "Good Friday" 2019. I was listening to Jazz FM (UK) and to my delight and pleasure, lo and behold, they played my favourite record. I wonder whether other listeners (like me originally) are tempted to look up and bookmark this record. I love it. p_lease keep listening.

[@tbrasc0]

I've recently discovered Jazz, still very much finding my feet and one day listening to Jazz FM I came across this song and I absolutely love it.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Welcome to real music Tony. Try anything by Kenny Ball's Jazz Men, Chris Barber, Ken Colyer all of which will enhance your enjoyment and increase your knowledge. Regards.

[@tbrasc0]

@@ronaldstrange8981 thank you, I will.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Good for you Sir. Something to really blow your mind which I have loved all my life is Stan Kenton's "Peanut Vendor". I had the old 78 rpm Capitol record but there is an excellent live performance on the internet. Try It...please. Regards.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

@@tbrasc0 Assuming you got my reply to your comment, did you listen to some of the recommendations? They are from the fifties but I still listen regularly and enjoy. Regards.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Sorry, I meant 2017 of course. Last night, Monday, 16th Oct 2017 woke up so put jazz fm on and heard Natalie Cole and Diana Krall singing this. What a treat but this newly discovered star and song remain my favourite version. Thank you jazz fm. More of both Kral(l)s please.

[@noreenjackson1485]

Better than most singers no matter race.

[@Panamaschild]

What?...

[@emylrmm]

a very nice rendition of this nice tune

[@emmanuelsvlogs8258]

Al Jarreau brought me here ❤

[@jean-mariepieters262]

Wonderfull

[@GlenStace]

My friend is checking in at Monterey. Good luck Ian!

[@LOUIEbsm]

KJZZ- Brought me here.....

[@theappraiserlady]

Clear, pure, and could swing

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Time you listened again Susan. I listen reguarly.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Had a reply from Maggie but am unable to reply. Sorry Maggie. Did appreciate your comment and regret lack of courteous reply, Was in a record shop yesterday (Oct 31 2017) and got talking to a customer in the jazz section. Was able to recommend this wonderful singer and recording to him. That's how we'll keep Irene alive. Kind regards from England.

[@mende75]

Off Ramp on KPCC brought me here.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

This is Oct. 2917 and for the first time ever, I have just heard this song on Jazz fm. It blew me away and I am 81! I cannot understand why I have never hear this before. What a wonderful voice and I love the lyrics. Was it really recorded back in 1963? The quality is perfect. Is she related to Diana Kral? Struggling to find any information about her. Will keep on digging. Of course, today's music lovers will not understand the lyrics: better than Ella...better that Lady Day etc. Love it.

[@lamontyancey9642]

Ronald Strange BE CAREFUL , RON . I'm 20 yrs ur junior and i "understand all of the song" and "comparisons". I gather that u were speaking to " those who may be around the age of ur great, or great great grands. Can even be certain then . "A FEW" young ones have ears 4 "REAL MUSIC( even jazz genre)AS A RESULT OF INTRO BY PARENT , GRAND PARENT OR GREAT G.P. "!!! Glad u found "someone new" singing a song u already appreciated!!

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Thank you so much for interesting and much appreciated reply. My point is that surely this music is appealing to anyone with reasonable ear for music. The lyrics will become more and more obscure with time. I enjoy a wide range of music from rock 'n roll to Beethoven and my record/cd collection proves it. Kindest regards.

[@lamontyancey9642]

Ronald Strange You are welcome. What i hope for us to be where u are "chronologically" !! 81 is most definitely a gift, let alone "to be also finding new music to appreciate". Not sure of 'how familiar u are w Al Jarrreau, but u may like a cut titled "WE GOT BY". Same for Quincy Jones. Recommend a cut titled "EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE"! If u decide to listen to 'em, i think u shall enjoy.MUSIC DOES WONDERS 4 THE SOUL !!! Blessings to you !!

[@johnm.5741]

I heard this song in 1989 on Jazz radio. It felt like a Dave Brubeck composition, but with lyrics that were oh so cool. Luckily they announced the artist, and I never forgot it . I"ve never heard it played since, but thanks to thr Internet, I researched it awhile back and bought the download. She is phenomenal and a virtually forgotten performer. If you're still discovering jazz, check out Quincy Jones's "Walking in Space." Also Pharoah Sanders, a little more fusion artist. But for smoothness, I love Irene Kral.

[@jorgevazqueziii7863]

Bob Dorough brought me here.

[@ginguenga]

wowowowowowow

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Just discovered her myself, See comments above. Really amazed I have not heard her before. Her voice is so pure. I am on the way to ordering her recorded material which has to be imported (to England) from USA. Regards.

[@trishbell4028]

@@ronaldstrange8981 check out my Sunday Sounds show 9am-noon PST on KABL960, I play her music.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

@@trishbell4028 Delighted to learn you play this wonderful artist's music, Problem is Trish, I am in England where I don't think you're available. Have bookmarked lots of Irene's material and play it regularly, especially,,,"Better etc". Regards and thanks.

[@trishbell4028]

@@ronaldstrange8981 It;s on the internet, you can hear Me anywhere in the world. www.kabl960.com

[@ronaldstrange8981]

@@trishbell4028 Got you Trish. You played Diana Krall "Where of when" and believe it or not, my all-time favourite Vaughn Monroe singing "Ballerina". Loved V.M. since 1952 when he sang "My lady love" from the (dreadful!) film "Sound off". Got so much of his material. Regarding Irene's "Better than..." aged 83, I understand the lyrics perfectly, The music you play is perfect for me and I promise you, having analysed your playlist, I really do know 90% of it. Warm regards from England and you now have an extra listener.

[@robertl.crawford4369]

Diana s mama?

[@gargantuaism]

Better than lasagna !

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Time you played her again Mark. I do, all the time.

[@freespirit8570]

Better than sailing at midnight Better than diving for pearls Better than skiing in Aspen Better than feeding the squirrels Better than finding a horseshoe Better than losing your head Better than anything thought of Better than anything said Better than singing right out loud Or being spotted in a crowd Better than anything except being in love Do you know, being in love Better than four sets of Dizzy Better than Count Basie's band Better than Rollins and Coltrane Better than being on the stand Better than Ella Fitzgerald Better than Miles' latest news Better than Bill Evans' ballads Better than Joe Williams' blues Better than hearing Lady Day Or checking in at Monterey Better than anything except being in love Do you know, being in love It's a circus Elephants dancing Clowns on parade Better than peanuts and popcorn Fresh lemonade Better than rides on the midway Better than seals blowing horns Better than men shot from cannons Better than fresh ears of corn Better than balancing a wire Or watching tigers leap through fire Better than anything except being in love

[@ronaldstrange8981]

So glad you liked it. I have included it my list of top ten all-time favourites. Regards from England.

[@dancelli714]

FUN lyrics that can't be beat. (Dave Wheat/ Bill Loughbrough)

[@Amanda395]

"Better than singing with Mitch" 😆😂

[@gargantuaism]

I like this corny song.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Don't know your age Mark, but we oldies ( I am 83) really understand and appreciate the lyrics. e.g. Lady Day, Emille Griffiths fights, etc etc etc. For the younger generation, the lyrics will be (almost) incomprehensible. Regards and keep enjoying Irene.