Diana Krall: When I Look In Your Eyes

Amy L. Seibert

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When I Look In Your Eyes

Published: October 1, 2000

The jazz arena hails plenty of musicians/vocalists devoted to both the music and the instrument, but few have mastered both as well as Diana Krall. The British Columbia native began studying piano at the age of four; landed her first professional gig at 15, and by the age of 24 had the opportunity to work with Jimmy Rowles. Rowles gave Krall the chance to develop not only her piano playing, but also her vocal ability. It paid off.

Originally signing with GRP and creating such discs as Love Scenes and All for You, Krall created a sound that hasn’t been heard in over fifty years (a la Nat King Cole). Now on her first Verve recording, When I Look In Your Eyes, Krall demonstrates her dual talents as a pianist/vocalist. She is a natural wonder whose honey rich sound gives way to whimsical harmonies.

Concentrating on jazz standards from such notable songwriters as Irving Berlin and Harold Arlen, Krall delivers a sensuous disc. The 35-year old varies her songs from ballad , “Let’s Face the Music and Dance”, to up-tempo orchestrations, “Popsicle Toes”, giving the recording a bit of an uneveness. Nevertheless, Krall’s lush vocals deter the listener from any negative feeling. The disc’s appeal lies in Tony LiPuma’s production that gives the disc its color. The title track alone speaks volumes even though the lyrics are spoken. Whether classified as a vocalist or a pianist, Krall presents all of the elements on this recording as that of a strong performer regardless of the instrument.

Track Listing: Let's Face the Music and Dance, Devil May Care, Let's Fall in Love, When I Look In Your Eyes, Popsicle Toes, I've Got You Under My Skin, I Can't Give You Anything but Love, I'll String Along With You, East of the Sun (and West of the Moon), Pick Yourself Up, The Best Thing for You, Do It Again

Personnel: Diana Krall-piano, Russell Malone-guitar, John Clayton- bass, Jeff Hamilton-drums, Ben Wolfe-bass, Larry Bunker-vibes, Lewis Nash-drums. Tommy LiPuma-Producer.

Record Label: Verve Music Group
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream