Editorial Review

The revisionist take on the Rat Pack's razor-witted King of Cool reveals a Dean Martin who was considerably more complex than the Titan of Tipplers legend; a man who would just as soon retire to his room with a tumbler of milk to watch a TV Western than prowl the Strip with his famous cohorts. That sublime, preternatural indifference is both underscored and belied with dizzying regularity on this good 30-track overview of Martin's singing career. The breezy hits "That's Amore" and "Volare" underscored his public staying power when many counted him out in the face of a surging 1950s youth market. He repeated the feat again with trademark effortlessness a decade later to knock no less than the Beatles off the top of the charts with the unlikely, if inviting schmaltz of "Everybody Loves Somebody."Ever informed by his warm, deceptive vocal ease, Martin's rich signature tunes are well-represented here. But the collection also spans enough lovable kitsch ("Mambo Italiano," "Little Old Wine Drinker Me") and unabashed romantic yearning ("Innamorata," "Send Me the Pillow You Dream On") to deepen the compelling mystery of one of pop music's most enduring ciphers. Read more

Reviews (25)

HOW LUCKY CAN ONE GUY BE?
Capitol Records, the house built by Johnny Mercer and Nat Cole, allowed singers such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to soar to new heights in their careers, thanks in no small way to the brilliant arrangements by Nelson Riddle and great players sitting in during the recording sessions. Of the three singers mentioned, I would place Cole at the very top for his supreme musicality and popularity with the record-buying public, a 600 hit wonder. Next comes Martin, who had an unstudied nonchalance with any song he sang and a wonderful sounding rich voice. Last is Sinatra, which in no way is meant to imply least. It's Dean surprisingly, not Frank, with which to sample the best sound ever from Capitol. Dean's voice is always in the foreground and the arrangements are keptbehind. Frank's voice is usually forward but all too often overpowered by Riddle's elaborate arrangements, which is surprising for a band singer. Dean makes it seem so easy, that's all there is to that. He just takes everything in stride. So where to start with this marvellous collection? Oh, just jump in anyplace. This is the cream of Dino's career--decades worth--all delicious.

The Incomparable Dino
If you are a Dean Martin fan, you'll find no better album.If you don't know if you're a Dean Martin fan, listen to this album and you'll become a fan.It's Dean at his best -- all the classics.I'd recommend it for anyone.

Dino: The Essential Dean Martin
This album has several of Martin's hits which I like.
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Subjects:  1. American Popular Song    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Traditional Pop    5. Vocal    6. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

This is not the typical example of an artist from another genre jumping on the crowded standards-and-ballads bandwagon. Read more

Reviews (73)

Get in the Zone
I had this CD for a while and couldn't make up my mind wether I like it or not.I listened to it a couple of times and there's a lot to like about this CD even though you feel like this CD was manufactured for nothing but success, success with the average audience. Chris Botti's trumpet is lush and right on as far as pleasing the New Wave jazz crowd.It's very romantic and makes a real nice backdrop to a much anticipated Valentine's Day Dinner.And there's some real nice vocals by Paula Cole and Sting.The songs are old standards and familiar but done with such aromatic flavor that it might sound new to some.I like this CD very much for what it is and people who are hard core jazz fans shouldn't be too snooty and dismiss it as easy listening pop stuff.Chris Botti has some real talent and with the abundance of sax out there, his trumpet is refreshing, but don't be in a hurry to compare him to Miles Davis yet, let alone Lee Morgan, nice music though, gets you in the romantic zone.

Sail up to the stars
Ah, that perennial conundrum. Is it a smooth jazz performance or is it just instrumental pop? For years I've railed against artistes like Kenny G, George Howard, Najee and even Norman Brown (for a minute); artistes who not only think it's clever to play their instruments along the vocal melodies of pop songs and claim they're playing jazz but actually go on to have massive commercial success at it. They play just enough improvisation to substantiate their claims but not too much, so as not to scare the horses. Not that I've got anything against jazz artistes doing pop tunes. Even the heavyweight Pat Metheny did a cover on his last solo album, "One Quiet Night" but it was a Norah Jones song and it was almost a one-off. He certainly doesn't do entire albums of covers. I just think it's lazy and boring.
When I fall in Love
Another one i recommed highly for your collection. Even to give to someone special, she/he would love this one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Jazz    2. Crossover Jazz    3. Instrumental Pop    4. Jazz    5. Mainstream Jazz    6. Orchestral Jazz    7. Pop    8. Smooth Jazz    9. Standards   

Editorial Review

As gleefully silly yet wickedly smart as the beloved British comedy troupe and their 1975 cinematic savaging of the Arthurian legend that inspired it, this adaptation ofRead more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (117)

Monty Python's Spamalot
I love the songs on Monty Python's Spamalot . It's so great with wonderful actors & singings on here & I think it's a win for everyone who buys Monty Python's Spamalot . So , go get your money for this cd & get it fast. You will not go home unhappy with hearing Monty Python's Spamalot . Always look on the bright side of life :)
Could you think of a better soundtrack that could define Monty Python any better?
I recently purchased "Monty Python's SpamAlot" and that was money well spent.The lyrics are hilarious and couldn't define the humor of Monty Python any better.It captures that greatness of the 1970s movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and adds new laughs.Sara Ramariez has an amazing voice and (if you didn't know) I truly understand why she won the Tony in 2005 for her portrayal as The Lady of the Lake.If you are a Musical Theatre Junkie, like myself, then I highly suggest that you order this soundtrack.

Way too funny!!
I purchased this CD after seeing Spamalot because the songs from the show are clever, witty and, well, just plain funny. Listening to the CD at work or in the car just sends me into a great mood as I remember the show and how funny and entertaining it was.Anyone who has seen Spamalot will know what I mean and will want that same recollection over and over as they listen to the tracks.If you loved the show this CD is a must. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Britain    2. Cast Recordings    3. Music Theater    4. Musical Theater    5. Pop    6. Show Tunes    7. Showtunes / B'way    8. Soundtracks    9. United States of America   

Editorial Review

An Oscar win might suggest a score that would need a miracle to be bettered--but this colorful stage adaptation of Disney's Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (135)

Enjoyed Seeing The Play Twice
I saw the stage production at Hollywood's famous Pantages Theater some years ago, and was quite impressed. I then purchased the CD, which has been in my CD player many times. But I somehow feel the original Movie soundtrack was a bit more superior. Especially the powerful film opening of 'Circle of Life.' I just feel the strong African male vocals delivered much more impact. And not to sound sexist, but Rafiki was also better portrayed as a male, than the female actresses seen in the stage productions. But still an extremely enjoyable listening experience.

Flawless Material
The Lion King will undoubtedly bring you oodles of entertainment. After recently seeing The Lion King National Tour I just had to have this item. From the legendary opening Circle of Life to the astounded ending, you will experience constant harmony. The land of Africa is a remarkable place, and now you can experience it in your very own home. Buy it now! You simply can't go wrong.

Amazing
I Have yet to see this play but,the music is absolutley beautiful. it's more than just feel good musical it has a message that can been heared through the music itself. i personally don't even listen to the orgnial songs from the movie soundtrack anymore, because many of the other songs are so spritual amd moveing. songs like; They Lives In You, He Lives In You (reprise, my FAVORUITE), The Cricle Of Life, Soudowland(My Other Fav) and Endless Night. All the Music on this soundtrack are REALLY GOOD. It's a good mixture of fun, and spritual music and does an amazing job of telling the story. The vocals, the music just evrthing is spotless. i can't say enough about this play, it's a classic
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Musicals    3. Original Cast Recordings    4. Pop    5. Show Tunes    6. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

It's not that surprising that Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (153)

Superior to the Original
I'm not just a casual fan of Rent -- I've seen the Broadway show, I've heard the original cast recording, and I know a bit about each of the original cast members. But I must part ways with most of the fans of the stage show by saying that yes, the movie's cast recording is indeed superior.
Unbelievable
I love my OBC recording.But the production on it is less than stellar and it can sound almost "tinny" at times.So when I listened to this version, I was scared that it would not live up to the standards set by the cast album.
Loving Rent the soundtrack
Hello, My name is Michael, Im 15 years old. I love the rent soundtrack, I mainly like it becuase it has EVERY SINGLE SONG recorded for the rent movie instead of the highlited one, (I suggest you listen to Another Day and Goodbye Love if you purchace this) I've played it over a billion times by now (no joke) and it still is just plain lovely. Its a must have for all rentheads, or someone who just liked the movie. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film Music    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Pop    6. Soundtrack    7. Soundtracks    8. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

A 20-track collection from the Reprise years that tries to cover too much ground. Read more

Reviews (76)

Frank never needed luck to be a lady--he embodied talent!!!
Frank Sinatra is, without question, one of the greatest entertainers the world has ever known--or perhaps ever will know. Yes, this CD does try to cover a lot of ground; but it is a very good collection for a single CD that represents Frank's best when he worked at his own Reprise Records. I am in love with this CD; and you will be, too!
The Chairmen of the board at his best!
This is Sinatra at his swinging best. I am addicted to this album. Fantastic to think that any singer could have 29 very good years, and how many excellent ones! this CD includes his hits from 1960 to 1979 and include both studio and live tunes. Great bands and arrangers like The Count, Nelson Riddle, Billy May, and Don Costa. A great CD for any Sinatra fan!

Superb
If you like Sinatra, you will love this album. If you love Sinatra, it will be one of you favorites. It collects many of his biggest hits and these are prime recordings.
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Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz-Pop    3. Pop    4. Pop Vocals    5. Popular Music    6. Soft Rock    7. Traditional Pop    8. Vocal    9. Vocal Jazz    10. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

Under its enigmatic title lurks a remarkably entertaining little show. Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (91)

Monkey song dull? Maybe cuz you haven't seen the show?
The first time I saw this show, the surprise after surprise really impressed me. When Aldolfo appeared in the Nightingale song, I asked my friend, "What's going on here, this scene does not make sense." The surprise a minute after I asked that, made me laugh and laugh and laugh.
Another 'On the Nose' show that oddly delivers
It's both perplexing and oddly reassuring to me that in today's cynical landscape musicals that are not cynical at all could be direct hits on broadway.Between The Producers and Spamalot there's been a kind of resurgence in old school humorists with a contemporary self-awareness which somehow doesn't take away from the earnesty and humor... Add Drowsy Chaperone to this list.I'll throw in my two cents- Foster is, as always, a master at her craft, the music is, if a little old fashioned, still completely satisfying... I'm kind of in love with this little show...

Wonderful Show!
It's amusing reading these reviews.So many people just don't seem to get it, but who cares? I love The Monkey Song and As We Stumble Along, the latter being a Zen masterpiece! Both reflect the genius of this show.How can you complain about something with lyrics like: "But what a thrill when lovebirds trill" or "But heartbeats rush when sweethearts gush"?Some of the jokes of course don't come off unless you see the show...otherwise, how can you possibly understand "Message from a Nightingale"?All I can say is,
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Pop    6. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

Tony Bennett's commercial renaissance of the 1980s and '90s was aided by a string of albums that communicated his essential values while providing conceptual rings (Sinatra, Astaire, women singers) for record buyers to grasp. Read more

Reviews (35)

Loved this C.D!!!!
Though I am not a Tony Bennet fan,I have to say this is by far my favorite C.D by him.I think anyone reading this will enjoy this no matter who you like musically.

Playin' With My Friends
One of Tony Bennett's greatest CDs.The duets are super!

Duets, duets,duets !

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Subjects:  1. Jazz Music    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Traditional Pop    5. Vocal    6. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

At first glance, the approach picked for Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (123)

De-Lovely Soundtrack
This product arrived in fantastic condition and is exactly what I ordered.
love it!
Surprised myself, but I listen to this album more often than I ever dreamed.Excellent sound and the variety of artists increase its entertainment value.Additionally, the interpretation by today's artists are quite interesting against those of Cole Porter himself and his contemporaries.It's a buy!

De-Lovely, De-Vine, De-Perfect
For decades Cole Porter's songs have been considered musical standards.It's no mystery why.Cole Porter's songs were undeniably catchy and fun when he wrote them, they were sophisticated and fun when Las Vegas headliners in the 60's performed them, and they're just as effective performed by contemporary vocalists, like on this soundtrack to the Cole Porter biopic "De-Lovely."
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Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Soundtrack    3. Soundtracks    4. Soundtracks & Film Scores    5. Traditional Pop    6. Vocal Jazz    7. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

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Features

• Cast Recording
• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (208)

makes me laugh
everyone I've played it for has enjoyed it.Just a lot of fun

Amazing!
This CD is amazing, and has some of my favorite songs on it.I hope to see the broadway show sometime soon, but until then, this music will definately do.It has many hysterical numbers, such as "Schadenfreude," "Everyone's A Little Bit Racist," and "If You Were Gay."It also has some very sweet, beautiful songs, such as one of my favorites, "There's A Fine, Fine Line."I love this!

Avenue Q rocks the house
When telling people about this show, I usually use two turns of phrase: "Sesame Street... for adults," and "Rent, with muppets, and without HIV." Perfectly captures the "quarter-life crisis" experience. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Pop    3. Show Tunes    4. Showtunes / B'way    5. Soundtrack   

Reviews (18)

"Just the Way you look tonite" makes it worthy
I got this CD a while back and recently have been listening to it again and in light of Madeliene's new CD, one must assume that "I'm All Right" is related to her relationship to Galison.Seemed like their romance turned sour and this CD has a lot to do with it.Anyway the master piece in this CD is the 1936 Kerns brothers "Just the Way you Look Tonite"It is genius!The backdrop is Bossa Nova, light and airy and Madeliene's phrasing is perfect, giving the right amount of inflection in the right spotand the Harmonica riff just adds even moreto the interpretation.Ginger and Fred would have been impress, the first singers to sing this song.Okay, now the CD itself, itsa good addition to your growing Madeliene Peyroux collection."Back in your own BackYard" is a fun song and there's the title track "Got you on my Mind" there's a lot of version to this old song, unfortunately this is my first time to hear so it sounds original to me.I like it,Madeliene makes it mournful and the string accompaniment is right on.Highly reccomended.

A Springtime Bright Jazzy Mover
This CD stays in my player!Skip her other CDs because this is the brightest, smoothest and best mover of them all!

stellar
Peyroux is the real deal. She brushes off comparisons to Billie Holiday, but it's certainly not bad company to keep. This is a beautiful record flowing with sparse arrangements and sultry vocals. If you like Norah...wait until you hear this! The 12 songs found on Carless Love feature a mix of acoustic blues, country ballads and torch songs showcasing Peyroux's sultry alto. Highlights include "Dont' Wait Too Long" composed by Perouyx, producer Larry Klien (of Joni Mitchell fame) and Jesse Harris (best know for his contributions to Norah Jones' hit album, Come Away With Me). Also exemplary are Peyroux's warm renditions of Leonard Cohen's "Dance Me to the End of Love" and a lightly-swinging arrangement of Bob Dylan's "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You go". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Jazz    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Pop Vocals    5. Rock/Pop    6. Traditional Pop    7. United States of America    8. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

There are worse things in life than making your acting debut on the much ballyhooed season finale of Read more

Reviews (1017)

Move Over Pavarotti
Josh Groban has one of the most beautiful voices around. Thank God, that is spending it doing it on classical operatic styles rather than pop rock or rap that others waste their time and money. His voice sings through you. You feel like angels are singing. His voice is powerful and beautiful. I would love to see him live. I just admire him so much that I don't care that if I don't understand Italian but I would like too.
Heaven can hear his voice
What a gift Josh Groban has received. May his work continue to reach the soul's of others. His music reaches out to me and I am sure to tons of others around the world.

THE BEST SONG EVER
Joshs song "To Where You Are" was written for his grama after her death. I just lost my grama and this was the song that was sung at the chaple.It is a beautiful song that shows the love for a family member, I'm buying the CD, so that my grama will always be close to me
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Cantata    3. Choral    4. Classical Pop    5. Film    6. Film Music    7. Pop    8. Pop Vocals    9. Popular Music    10. Rock/Pop    11. Traditional Pop    12. Vocal    13. Vocal Music    14. Vocal Pop   

Features

• Original recording remastered
• Soundtrack

Reviews (5)

CD lives up to the movie
"The Sound of Music" is one of my all-time favorite movies, and Julie Andrews' singing makes the movie and CD. Listening to the soundtrack takes you right back through the movie.

Masterpiece
The 40th edition of "The Sound of Music" soundtrack is a special gift for all the movie fans. Not only because of the quality of the sound ("The Sound of Music" has never sounded better), but also because all the vocal singing parts of the film are, for the first time, forever registered. So, you have the whole concert before they escape from the nazis, you have Julie Andrews coming back from the abbey and meeting the children and dame Julie singing to Charmian Carr "You are 16", all in chronological order, respecting the movie narrative. It's more than we all have been waiting for. It's a masterpiece.

The Sound of Near-Perfection
I am very happy that this 40th Anniversary edition of THE SOUND OF MUSIC Soundtrack is a vast improvement over any of the previous RCA CD issues. For the first time, it presents ALL the song cues in the order of the film, and the RCA tapes have never sounded better. Dame Julie's sterling portrayal of Maria is reason enough to plump for this CD, and her crystalline voice has never sounded better. She is ably backed by the critic-proof cast including Bill Lee's down-to-earth Captain, Margery McKay's Mother Abbess, and the glorious septet of children. This CD presents the tracks from the original RCA album, in more dynamic sound than on previous CDs, in sound that positively shines. These tracks intermingle with the Captain's first version of Edelweiss with Liesl, the Laendler and the Sixteen Going on Seventeen reprise. They are all lovingly incorporated into the soundtrack and the presentation is perhaps enough to rival the superb sounding Fox gold CD. This CD also includes the reprises of My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi and So Long, Farewell, and the Entr'acte and End Titles. They all make their CD debut, except that the tinny sound quality sounds like the producers recorded it off a videocassette or a DVD of the movie, because you can hear some dialogue and sound effects and a funny sound quality. All-told, although I do wish that the CD producers used the 20th-Century Fox tracks exclusively for this release and utilised longer versions of the Preludium and the reprise of Edelweiss, this CD offers wonderful sound quality despite some tape hiss in the RCA tracks. The booklet contains some coloured stills from the film, yet I lament that it lacks not just the lyrics but a detailed analysis of the musical, the filming and a soundtrack annotation. Overall, a wonderful presentation of a justly-celebrated soundtrack and a true sign that this soundtrack is getting the proper treatment it deserves. What more needs to be said than BUY IT NOW. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Keyboard    4. Keyboard Music    5. Miscellaneous    6. Miscellaneous Music    7. Pop    8. Show Tunes    9. Soundtrack    10. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (470)

Good Album, but flawed
This is a wonderful album of jazz pop standards with flawless execution and Diana Krall's wonderful voice and distinct time signatures. Trouble is: the strings.
I have spoken
Amalia Rodriguez, Cesaria Evora, third? There are many....
The Look of Love
This is a great collection of old love songs sung by an awesome voice. I listen to it often b/c I can't get enough of her lovely voice. Diana's jazz piano playing is pretty cool too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Popular Song    2. Contemporary Jazz    3. Jazz    4. Jazz Music    5. Jazz-Pop    6. Pop    7. Standards    8. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Somewhere, Kenny G is hiding behind his cascading ringlets in shame. Chris Botti, a jazz world super-talent whose trumpeting earns frequent comparisons to Miles Davis and Chet Baker, has found the formula for classing up the pop charts, and within it there's not a single soaring sax or tired attempt at career revivalism to be found. What we're treated to instead is an all-star lineup (Sting, Gladys Knight, Michael Buble and others) vocally saluting a musician whose resume reads like a page torn out of the Rock Snob's Dictionary: in addition to touring with Sting, Botti has played sideman to Paul Simon, Natalie Merchant, Joni Mitchell, and dozens more. Here that experience pays off handsomely. Gone are the matinee-idol smooth artist's earlier experiments with jazz synthesizers and pop-fusion compositions (see 2002's Read more

Features

• DualDisc

Reviews (34)

Great
I went to see Chris Botti in concert this summer, after seeing him on PBS, the cd is excellent, so glad I purchased it, I like every song on the cd.sh

Lovely !
About two years ago ..I stumbled on a recording by Mr.Botti ...and I was so taken back from what I heard I told myself that I have to have his work ..Well two years passed and Mr. Botti has redifined what it takes to be a true musician ...Just saw the special on PBS....whew....I loved every bit of each performance...Jill Scott, Paula Cole, Sting , Gladys Knight .....Its nice to see an artist at his best.

Chris Botti is "Dave Sanborn+Rick Braun"
I now own three (3)Chris Botti CDs: When I Fall in Love; To Fall in Love and Midnight Without you.
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary Jazz    2. Crossover Jazz    3. Instrumental Pop    4. Jazz    5. Mainstream Jazz    6. Pop    7. Smooth Jazz    8. Standards   

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (37)

Great for little ones
I am not a fan of little kids (under 5) sitting and watching a 2 hour movie. However, listening to soundtracks of musicals is a great thing for them. There is nothing cuter than hearing a toddler belt out "When I fink of a day that's gray and wonely I just pick up my chin and grin and say..." while you are driving. I love it! Plus, there seems to be a small window of opportunity for this since the kids become more inhibited as they get older.

i love annie
every girl loves annie. even non orpahns. annie is the best and the braves girl. i love annie.

Annie rocks!!
Love the movie and had to buy it.I was a child, when I first saw it in the movie theater, and I wanted to be her. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Musicals    2. Pop    3. Show Tunes    4. Soundtrack    5. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (84)

Gary
Another of Diana Kralls wonderful CDs. If you like her, you should have this one. Many hours of enjoyment.

All for you: Adedication to the nat King cole Trio
It was everything we expected.good listening.

Tribute to Nat King Cole Trio
One Diana's best ones. Great pieces with a great singer. I recommend to all jazz people. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bop    2. Canada    3. Contemporary Jazz    4. Jazz    5. Jazz Music    6. Pop    7. Standards    8. Swing    9. Torch Songs    10. Vocal Jazz    11. Vocalese   

Editorial Review

Singer/pianist Diana Krall breaks new ground interpreting modern standards by Tom Waits, Mose Allison, and Joni Mitchell, as well as compositions by herself and new husband, Elvis Costello. Krall's piano-jazz cred comes through loudly and clearly on her Count Basie-styled version of the