When God announced the date that his blessings and gifts would be bestowed, Diana Krall must have camped out in line for eons. Nevermind she's a gorgeous, leggy blonde, forget that she's a gifted jazz pianist--the woman possesses a singing voice so palpably sensual that it will send your molecules into a paroxysm. No matter how long I study her picture, I can't imagine that voice coming out of her face.

Ordinarily, the vehicle for this voice is a small combo comprised of Krall on piano and a varying cast of ace jazz players on guitar, bass, and drums. About half of the jazzy gems on this fine record are rendered in this spare form. The other half are richly orchestrated and produced by Johnny LiPuma and Johnny Mandell, in the same manner as the wonderful arrangements you'd associate with Nat Cole or Frank Sinatra.

Similarly, about half of the songs are light, jazz ditties such as "Devil May Care," and "Let's Fall In Love," with the most recent composition being a titillating toe-tapper written by Michael Franks entitled "Popsicle Toes." Again, the other half features fully orchestrated big-band ballads that flirt gingerly with the sentimental side of the journey. If 'n you get a notion for some emotion, "When I Look In Your Eyes," and "Why Should I Care," will do the job.

Most of the songs she's chosen on this album are classic standards by the likes of Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and George Gershwin. If youÕre looking for Jazz exploration, you'll find none of it here. She's playing it safe, this time out--and as far as I'm concerned, this is the perfect opportunity to get into her game.