Seductive vocals meet gorgeous strings in these reimagined standards

Great American Songbook composers dominate this 2001 release from pianist and singer Diana Krall, in which slick string arrangements produce an unlikely, winning contrast with the seductively earthy grain of her voice (particularly in the low end of her range). Bossa nova touches add extra warmth to the Gershwin brothers' "'S Wonderful," and bassist Christian McBride’s spare but rhythmically secure playing (particularly on “Dancing In the Dark” and the title track) rounds out this casual pop-jazz gem.