She may appeal to folks who only want audio ambiance for a bedtime glass of wine, but jazz singer Diana Krall has recently been surprising skeptics, who have lamented her supposed midcareer detour from serious jazz to easy listening. A few years ago, she took Carnegie Hall by storm, swinging hard with a 40-piece big band. Expect a more modest ensemble when she plays here, but her brand of quiet and simple readings can be a refreshing change in the days of “American Idol” yelping. (Paul Kosidowski)
Diana Krall July 16. Riverside Theater. 116 W. Wisconsin Ave., 414-286-3663.
