Her Brilliant Career

Don Heckman’s fine cover piece on Diana Krall (‘Try Topping That,” April 15) is a textbook illustration of how the finest jazz singer-pianist of recent decades is to be converted into another (if superior) pop vocalist. All of this in the pursuit of “the crossover dollar.” Too bad! Let’s hope Krall remembers some of what her tutor, the late Jimmy Rowles, taught her when and if she becomes a female Sinatra.

JOHN F. BECK

Encino

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As a longtime (since teenage) admirer of Frank Sinatra’s music, I was thrilled to read the article on Krall’s new album. That it was inspired by the master (and as a possessor of all Krall’s previous albums) I say, bravo! She is a wonder of the age, a kindred soul to thousands (millions?) of Frank’s admirers, now hers too.

She is a true disciple and yet a new voice, carrying on the wondrous inspiration of a fabulous age of music that we thought had disappeared. Thank you, Diana.

JANE COLLINS

Cherry Valley

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I find it incomprehensible that anyone in the jazz world could or would slight Krall for her success. Instead of moaning about her abandoning her artistic principles (say what?), these shortsighted curmudgeons should be applauding and thanking this remarkably gifted woman for bringing vocal jazz back into the forefront of popular music.

With so many of the great jazz singers either gone or at the end of their careers, it is vital that young talent come in to fill the void. Along with singers like Karrin Allyson and Cassandra Wilson, Krall is the best hope for there being a future for vocal jazz.

JOHN McELLIGOTT JR.

Fullerton

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I enjoy Heckman’s writing very much, but in his long article, musicians are mentioned by name, singers are mentioned by name, arrangers are mentioned by name, many great songs are mentioned, but not one composer or lyricist.

Yes, “I Get Along Without You Very Well” is an excellent song. So let’s hear it for Hoagy Carmichael, who wrote both the words and music.

RAY SHERMAN

Duarte