When I Look in Your Eyes [LP]

Personnel includes: Diana Krall (vocals, piano); Johnny Mandel (arranger, conductor); Eddie Karam (conductor); Larry Bunker (vibraphone); Russell Malone (guitar); John Clayton, Ben Wolfe (bass); Jeff Hamilton, Lewis Nash (drums).
Producers: Tommy LiPuma, Johnny Mandel, David Foster.
Recorded at Avatar Studios, New York, New York.
WHEN I LOOK IN YOUR EYES won the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance and for Best Engineered Album, Non Classical. WHEN I LOOK IN YOUR EYES was nominated for the 2000 Grammy Award for Album Of The Year.
WHEN I LOOK IN YOUR EYES, a 1999 Verve release, heralds the return of the cool and groovy Latin-tinged jazz of the '60s. Upon hearing the opening track, a bossa-nova-fied version of Irving Berlin's "Let's Face The Music And Dance," one might think he had accidentally put on a Getz/Gilberto record. In fact, it's hard to avoid comparing Krall's breathy alto to that of Astrud Gilberto-particularly on the more samba-flavored numbers.
But Krall ultimately resists comparisons. Her simultaneously textured and smooth tone, warm timbre, and conversational phrasing mark her as unique. The set of standards here, including "Let's Fall In Love," "I've Got You Under My Skin," and "Pick Yourself Up" among others, is enhanced by fine session musicians and Johnny Mandel's tasteful arrangements. While Krall is more than comfortable with a sly swing (Michael Franks' "Popsicle Toes"), it is the stirring ballads-like the title track-that show her skill to best advantage. Krall is a considerable talent, and the time-tested, well-loved sound that characterizes these tracks should ensure her success.