Melody Gardot - Which albums to buy?

Thanks for your responses.  I really appreciate reading your opinions.  I ordered "My One and Only Thrill" from Amazon.  It is the import disc including the EP of "Live in Paris".

@tooblue   Could you please opine on the sound quality and "mix" of "Live in Europe"?  How well was your vinyl pressed?  Thanks!

Thanks for the recommendations.  Several of the Amazon reviews were negative on the Live in Europe album saying that Melody's vocals were buried in the mix.  Any thoughts on Live in Europe?

I really like live albums.  Last night and today listening to Supertramp Live in Paris on LP.  Diana Krall's Live in Paris LP gave me a new appreciation for her as an artist enabling me to enjoy her studio efforts much more.

@tooblue   Thanks for opining.  I think I'll get into "My One and Only Thrill/Live in Paris" first and if I like it as much as I suspect I will, I'll check out "Live in Europe".

@dodgealum   Interesting observation about Ms. Krall.  Until I got the LP of "Live in Paris" I was having a rough time understanding why she was so popular among so many listeners.  The "Live" album helped to humanize her and changed the way I listened or at least appreciated her studio efforts.

I didn't realize, until reading your post, that Gardot's albums are all laden with backing strings.  If so, she might do well to cut an album with a blue/jazz trio or quartet.  Here's hoping.

@grannyring   Is it the performance, recording quality or a bit of both that turns you off on the "live in Europe" album?  Thanks!

@dodgealum Interesting how "individualistic" the listening experience is. My positive reaction to "Live in Paris" might have a bit to do with my enjoyment of live albums in general. Like to listen to them with lights off and just feel as a part of the crowd. This happens notably with Pink Floyd’s "Pulse". I listened throughout the day yesterday to Supertramp’s "Live in Paris" LP. "Fool’s Overture" is absolutely fantastic on that live set. The crowd loved that song going in and you can feel the band feeding off the crowd’s enthusiasm.

BTW...Both the eponymous and Rumours albums are fantastic for the wonderfully crafted songs and the superb sound quality. My favorite song is "Warm Ways". From that song on, I was in love with Stevie’s voice!

@dodgealum   My Bad!  I stand corrected.  Agree with you on John McVie.  I am a particular fan of Mick Fleetwood's drum kit.🥁

@noromance   I read your post above just before receiving "My One and Only Thrill" CD today.  I note that your comments refer to the LP of that release.  Specifically, I bought the European release which includes a second CD of "Live in Paris".  

The sound quality of the main CD is superb in every way.  Melody's voice is right in the room!  The orchestra and other supporting instruments were well placed and clear and clean.

I'm looking forward to listening to the live tracks later today.

It's a shame the sound of the LP is so poor.  It's also surprising.  Perhaps the European release was engineered and mastered more expertly.  Both CDs are mastered by Bernie Grundman.

@noromance   I forgot to thank you for your post.  I really appreciate it as I will know to be wary of her LP releases.  It would be interesting if there was a European released LP that we could compare to what you are hearing.

Listening to the "Live in Paris" EP included with "My One and Only Thrill" UK Special Edition CD. Beautiful open "you are there" sound quality. Very vivid sounding applause! There is something very unique about how Melody enunciates consonants. Distinctive quality.