If you are not familiar with Canadian-born Diana Krall, she could perhaps best be described as the current generation's female version of Nat King Cole: she has a mellow vocal style that's all her own, and she's a consummate pianist just like Nat was. Both could wrap their arms around a great song and sing it with panache that never goes out of style. She reminds us of Nat in his Cole Trio jazz days.

Being a blond-haired beauty adds an element of seductiveness and sensuality to Diana, who is a popular stage performer and TV guest in addition to scoring big in the recording field. While becoming a sensation in the jazz world, she reaches across genre borders with her lush voice and simple, yet soulful piano style. Krall has, in fact, become one of the best-selling jazz artists in the world, appealing to audiences that aren't limited merely to jazz aficionados.

Born in 1964, Krall began playing the piano at age four, and was exposed to her father's jazz records. She had already become a local singer in her hometown of Nanaimo, Vritish Columbia, when she was awarded a scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Encouraged by bassist Ray Brown and drummer Jeff Hamilton, who were impressed by her singing, Krall moved to Los Angeles to study with pianist Jimmy Rowles (who was best known for accompanying Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald). In 1992, after a move to New York, Diana recorded her first album, “Stepping Out.” The CD caught the attention of producer Tommy Lipuma, who had worked with Miles Davis, Nat Cole, George Benson and others.

Since then, three of her albums have been nominated for Grammys, and one — “Live In Paris” — won the Grammy for best jazz vocal album.

“The Very Best Of Diana Krall” plays like a cool breeze relieving a steamy Summer day. The CD goes from 1996’s “All For You” to “From This Moment On” a decade later. It is sequenced very well — which is a factor often overlooked by producers. There are spunky numbers, direct jazz jams, and improvised romantic journeys. From her 11 albums recorded up to this point, the string based hits are well represented here.

Krall is unafraid to tackle songs that have been done time and time again. “Let’s Fall In Love,” with its fine guitar intro and the Bacharach cover “The Look Of Love” are here to be played over and over by anyone who needs a mood enhancer. From “Peel Me A Grape” and “Frim Fram Sauce” down to the live version of “East Of The Sun, West of the Moon,” (recorded in Paris), Diana's precise timing and her interpretive voice make for great listening.

Also included are some unreleased tracks. A yearning “Only The Lonely,” a cruising “You Go To My Head,” and “The Heart of Saturday Night” are all winners. Even if you're not into jazz, it's hard not to like this CD. The vocals and accompaniment are straight-forward, without gimmickry, and always nicely balanced. Overall, a fine listening experience whether on the back porch or at a dinner party.

On a personal note, one cannot help but wonder about the very odd match-up of the beautiful Ms. Krall with the rumpled and older British pop star Elvis Costello, whom she married and had twin sons with. What's with that? Anyway, Diana's music is what makes her so special. Give a listen!

To sample some of the tracks, click the speaker icon below to hear them. Then scroll down the page to order today!