In what may have been Tommy LiPuma’s last production, Diana Krall’s latest album is a frame-able work of art. She sticks to her strengths here, emphasizing her incredibly strong and seductive voice on this album that alternates between cozy small group sets and rich orchestral ensembles.
Of the former, long time buddies Christian McBride-John Clayton/b, Russell Malone-Anthony Wilson/g make for intimate swing as McBride provides a rich pulse for Krall’s cooing on “Like Someone In Love,” ringer Marc Ribot strums delightfully on “Moonglow” and Stuart Duncan fiddles about on a playful “I’ll See You In My Dreams.” Conducted and arranged by the venerable Alan Broadbent, the string pieces have Krall seductive on “Night and Day” while being soft and tender with Wilson’s guitar on “Isn’t It Romantic” as well as rich and breathy during a nocturnal “Dream.”
Her piano playing is still underrated and exquisite as well, striding just right during an intimate “L-O-V-E” and glistening like a starry night on “No Moon At All.” She’s still the poster child for everything that’s right about jazz.