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“Every day you walked in and looked at pictures of Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole, and John Coltrane on the wall, and immediately got reduced to the size of a pea,” laughed a self-effacing Diana Krall in 2001. The Canadian singer was talking about her visits to the hallowed ground that was Hollywood’s legendary Capitol Studios in March and June of that year, which yielded her sixth album, The Look Of Love. Certainly to some, the studio’s sense of history could be daunting, perhaps, but according to veteran recording engineer Al Schmitt, who worked on The Look Of Love, Krall was inspired rather than intimidated by the photographs on Capitol’s walls. “She told me they made her bring her game up another notch,” Schmitt recalled.

Released by Verve on September 18, 2001, The Look Of Love – a sumptuous collection of languorous, string-laden ballads and sultry bossa novas – found Krall, then 36, reuniting with Grammy-winning veteran producer, the late Tommy LiPuma, who had worked with the singer since 1995 and helmed her previous three LPs. “We have six years of trust and are at the point where we can say anything to each other,” recalled Krall in 2001, describing her symbiotic relationship with LiPuma, whose numerous credits included George Benson, Al Jarreau, Randy Crawford, Barbra Streisand, and Paul McCartney. “I can say anything to him and he can say anything to me. We respect each other. It’s probably the best working relationship I’ve ever had.” In terms of its material, the album mostly comprised standards from the Great American Songbook, though the record’s centerpiece, and title track, was the youngest tune, having been written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David in the mid-60s. Krall transforms it into a sensuous boss nova, whose mood is enhanced by the presence of a large string orchestra arranged and conducted by the redoubtable German arranger, the late Claus Ogerman, whose numerous credits ranged from Bill Evans and Stan Getz to George Benson and Frank Sinatra. 

Recalling the mixing sessions at Capitol, Diana Krall said, “The control booth was like in the Sinatra days. A bunch of people were there: [jazz pianist] Horace Silver, Michael Feinstein; the Bergmans [noted husband-and-wife songwriting team, Alan and Marilyn] also showed up.” The Look Of Love proved a total artistic and commercial triumph. It went Platinum in the US, Canada, Australia, France, and New Zealand, and immediately transformed Krall into a jazz superstar with sold-out concerts all over the world. Al Schmitt reaped a Grammy award for his work on the album. “It felt good,” said the engineer. “When you win something that’s for a labor of love and is dear to your heart, it’s always nice.” — via UDiscover Music

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Label: Verve Records, UMe
Series: Acoustic Sounds Series
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo, 180g, Gatefold
Released: 2024 / Original Release: 2001
Genre: Jazz
Style: Bossa Nova, Vocals, Ballad

File under: Jazz - Vocals (Audiophile)
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