Diana Krall has just released a new studio album of standard tunes backed by the Clayton / Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. For those not familiar with this jazz chantreuse, Diana Krall is a popular jazz vocalist, and pianist. She has a very sultry voice, and she is also quite pretty. She is from Canada and she is married to Elvis Costello.

I have really enjoyed Diana Krall's CDs especially Love Scenes, The Look of Love and When I Look into Your Eyes. I liked some of the songs on her last studio release The Girl in the Other Room. I have been listening to From this Moment On for about a week now, since picking it up at Newbury Comics.

My overall reflection of the album is that it didn't quite grab me as much as my favorites. Many songs seem to have more of a big band jazz sound, and I prefer the small intimate Jazz Quartet that she is usually backed with. On this album she has an entire Rhythm Section, and a number of saxophones, trumpets, tubas, and horns. A few songs still have that intimate feel, but many have the big band sound, which for me doesn't work with Krall's sultry soft voice.

The songs on this album with my comments are as follows:

It Could Happen to You (Jimmy Van Huesen /Johnny Burke) This song features the Clayton / Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and I must admit from this song, I thought I would really love this album. Krall's voice just melts over the slow paced jazz orchestra backup. There is a perfect balance between the band and Diana Krall.

Isn't This a Lovely Day (Irving Berlin) The intro to this tune reminded me of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood with its simple piano and lyrics. Ah Fred Rogers would have been so lucky to have Diana Krall sing on his show. Soon, strings and horns join in, but subtley, not in a full blown orchestral assault. So far, so good, I am still enjoying this album.

How Insensitive (Antonio Carlos Jobim / Viicius De Moreas / Norman Gimbel ) Bossa Nova man Jobim penned this song, and it is delivered in a bossa nova relaxing style. Krall delivers the song with a beautiful languorous voice outdoing Jobim's friend's wife, Astrud Gilberto.

Exactly Like You (Jimmy McHugh/Dorothy Fields). Krall sings this song in her semi fast voice. If you have heard her previous albums you know what I mean. It still has a slow relaxed style to it, but it has an exaggerated sing song effect that radiates like the bass line. I liked this song.

From This Moment On(Cole Porter) This song begins with a big band boom, quick bass line, and trumpets. On this song, the band seemed to overpower Krall a bit, her voice lacks a bit of power to compete with the full blown band.

I was Doing All Right (Gershwin) This song slows it down a lot and just features a four piece ensemble. The song is good, but didn't really grab me.

Little Girl Blue (Rogers & Hart) This is a slow moving song that Krall lazily sings with piano accompaniment and some strings. It was too slow and relaxing for me, I didn't really care for this song.

Day In, Day Out (Johnny Mercer /Rube Bloom)This is one of the songs with that big band sound with the full horn section. My problem is that I don't believe that Diana has a voice suited for big band songs. I am used to a more powerful singer for songs like that. Big band has never been one of the genres I have enjoyed either.

Willow Weep for Me (Ann Ronell) This song starts off with a swooning horn section that gives way to a melancholy piano. Krall's voice sounds perfect in this song, it is sultry and romantic which fits this song wonderfully. Her voice plays off various sax and horn solos.

Come Dance with Me (Jimmy Van Huesen / Sammy Cahn) This is a swing tune that is played at a slow tempo. I didn't care for the slow interpretation of it, for me it didn't sound right. It should be a loud brash "swingin" tune, but Krall sings it too slowly to get that feel from the song, but too fast to get a sultry sound from it.

It was a Beautiful Day in August/You Can Depend on Me (Ray Brown) Here is a song which Krall delivers in her trademark sultry style. This song has that intimate small jazz quartet sound to it with just guitar, drums, bass and Krall's piano.

Summary I liked this album, but I didn't love it. I don't believe I would buy it when it comes out on DVD-Audio or SACD (which many of Krall's albums are released on). I missed hearing the more seductive tone of Krall's voice and I really found this album to be average. I give it three stars.

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Reading or Studying