When I Look in Your Eyes [DVD Audio Bonus Track]

Barnes & Noble

While vocalist/pianist Krall sometimes takes it on the chin for being too understated, I'll take her whisper over the blare of most big-belting divas any day. When I Look In Your Eyes somehow manages a stark lushness even when thickened by arranger Johnny Mande's pasteled strings. Krall's delivery has become quite authoritative of late. While the minimalism of her vocal lines and trio music may exude polish, her emotional commitment can always be felt bubbling just below the surface. There's obviously much more than mood at work in her reading of the title cut, a ballad whose depth is heightened by the song's lovely voice, guitar, and muted strings arrangement.Similarly, the lithe bossa of "Let's Face the Music and Dance" almost equals the cool-headed commitment of the style's Brazilian masters. And anyone who thinks the singer's not in touch with her suggestive side needs to bask in the eloquent lust of Gershwin's "Do It Again." For an extended moment, Krall squelches all charges of prudishness with a mere purr of sensuality. Jim Macnie

All Music Guide

With this CD, the young Canadian singer/pianist/arranger joins forces with producer Tommy LiPuma, who places his orchestral stamp on eight of the 13 tracks. It is the latest attempt to push Krall to an even wider pop/smooth jazz audience than she already enjoys. After all, Nat Cole, Wes Montgomery, and George Benson, among others, went this route. Wonder if she'd agree the cuts sans strings were more fun and challenging? Krall does get to it with central help from bassists John Clayton and Ben Wolfe, drummers Jeff Hamilton and Lewis Nash, and guitarist Russell Malone, all stellar players. Krall's voice is sweet and sexy. She's also flexible within her range and at times a bit kitschy, mostly the hopeless romantic. On this CD of love songs, it's clear she's cool but very much in love with this music. Bob Dorough's "Devil May Care" and the insistent "Best Thing for You" really click. Favorites are a decent Shearing-esque "Let's Fall in Love" with vibist Larry Bunker; a suave slow bossa on the opening number, "Let's Face the Music"; the lusher-than-lush title track; and especially an incredible horn-fired fanfare intro/outro on the hip "Pick Yourself Up." Some might call this fluff or mush, but it depends solely on your personal taste. This will certainly appeal to Krall's fans, lovers, and lovers at heart. [When I Look in Your Eyes was also made available in a DVD-Audio version with a bonus track.] Michael G. Nastos