Diana Krall Adds a Jazz Vibe to Burt Bacharach’s ‘The Look of Love’
Krall’s Look of Love oozes a natural gravity that connects directly to the heart
The recent passing of the talented and prolific songwriter Burt Bacharach has reignited within me a desire to listen to his songs, specifically the ones written with lyricist Hal David. I’d heard them all before; when I was a kid, the mushy tunes would flow from the radio in our home or family car. But, although I knew the words, the songs didn’t mean anything back then. Fast-forward to today, and those old chestnuts have evolved into euphonious melodies — or perhaps it is I who has evolved. Nevertheless, it is Canadian jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall who has my ears enamored with her jazzy rendition of Bacharach’s classic hit ‘The Look of Love.’
Featured in the 1967 James Bond spoof ‘Casino Royale,’ The Look of Love was initially recorded by English pop singer Dusty Springfield. Bacharach was inspired to write the melody after seeing a stunning Swiss-German actress, Ursula Andress, in an early movie cut. The tune was originally written as an instrumental; Hal David later added the amorous lyrics, creating the romantic number. The Look of Love was nominated for Best Song at the 1968 Academy Awards but lost to ‘Talk To The Animals’ from the movie ‘Doctor Dolittle.’…
