Diana Krall stands as one of the most successful jazz pianists of the 21st century, known for her interpretations of jazz standards and popular songs. Her approach to the American Songbook combines technical facility at the keyboard with a vocalist's sensibility for phrasing and emotional depth, making her recordings invaluable references for musicians studying how to bridge jazz and popular music traditions.
Why we love this
Krall's version of this Porter standard showcases what happens when a world-class jazz pianist becomes the primary voice in a song. Her accompaniment writing and phrasing choices reveal how much architectural work exists beneath what sounds effortless, giving singers and accompanists a masterclass in restraint and rubato. The arrangement respects Porter's harmonic sophistication while making it sound conversational rather than stuffy.
What to expect
This is a song about certainty expressed with calculated casualness. The music moves between moments of intimate confession and broader, almost cinematic declarations, never settling into sentimentality. There is warmth here, but it arrives through wit and musical intelligence rather than through overt emotional display.
Who it's for
Vocalists developing their jazz standard repertoire will find this arrangement an excellent study in how to approach a sophisticated love song with authenticity. Pianists looking to strengthen their accompaniment skills can learn from Krall's economical yet inventive voicings and her sense of when to step back. This works equally well for experienced singers refining their interpretation and for performers new to the American Songbook seeking a contemporary reference point.
How to get the most out of it
Let the melody breathe in the opening phrases rather than rushing to fill every beat; Krall's approach privileges space and intention over bustle.
Approach the chord changes as conversations between the voice and piano, with each instrument responding to the other's phrasing choices rather than locking rigidly to the beat.
Balance the jazz inflections (slight delays, blue notes, relaxed articulation) against the underlying formality of Porter's lyrics and harmonic language.
Use dynamic contrast to shape the emotional arc; the quiet moments in the middle section should feel more vulnerable than the confident opening statement.
How to use it
Include this in a concert exploring American popular song through different eras and styles, pairing it with other standards performed from contemporary perspectives. It works particularly well in a set featuring jazz interpretations of Broadway material, where it can sit alongside other Cole Porter songs or standards by his contemporaries. The 10-page length makes it substantial enough to anchor a solo vocalist set without overwhelming a program's balance.
Skills your students will build
Interpreting jazz articulation and phrasing within a composed song structure
Understanding harmonic movement through a jazz piano reduction
Balancing rubato with form and structure
Reading piano accompaniment written in contemporary jazz style
Shaping a love song with emotional restraint and specificity
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