When I Look In Your Eyes - Limited Edition

If artistry is about growth, then count Diana Krall as one of jazz’s consummate artists. When I Look In Your Eyes is yet another step ahead for the vocalist/pianist. This gorgeous Verve release breaks away from the standard piano trio setting of her two previous releases; several of the album’s cuts feature the graceful orchestrations of maestro Johnny Mandel.

The Canadian-born Krall cites Mandel’s previous work with Frank Sinatra (Ring A Ding Ding!) and Claus Ogerman’s Joao Gilberto session (Amoroso) as inspirations for the work on this album.

The songs on When I Look In Your Eyes range from the playful “Popsicle Toes” to the seductive “Do It Again.” The album also features Krall’s inter­pretations of such standards as “Let’s Face the Music and Dance,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” “Devil May Care,” and a bossa nova reworking of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”

When I Look In Your Eyes features Krall on piano and vocals with long-time trio mate Russell Malone on guitar. Ben Wolfe and John Clayton share bass duties and Jeff Hamilton and Lewis Nash alternate on drums. The album was produced by Grammy-winner and Verve Music Group Chairman Tommy LiPuma, with some tracks being co-produced by LiPuma and Mandel. It was recorded by Al Schmitt.