Pianist/vocalist
Diana Krall
pays tribute to
the Nat King Cole Trio
on her
Impulse!
set. In general, the medium and up-tempo tunes work best, particularly such hot ditties as
"I'm an Errand Girl for Rhythm,"
"Frim Fram Sauce,"
and
"Hit That Jive Jack."
Krall
does not attempt to directly copy
Cole
much (either pianistically or vocally), although his influence is obviously felt on some of the songs. The slow
ballads
are actually as reminiscent of
Shirley Horn
as
, particularly the somber
"I'm Through With Love"
"If I Had You."
Guitarist
Russell Malone
gets some solo space on many of the songs and joins in on the group vocal of
"Hit That Jive Jack,"
although it is surprising that he had no other opportunities to interact vocally with
; a duet could have been delightful. Bassist
Paul Keller
is fine in support, pianist
Benny Green
backs
's vocal on
"If I Had You,"
and percussionist
Steve Kroon
is added on one song. Overall, this is a tasteful effort that succeeds. ~ Scott Yanow