Add the name Diana Krall to the list of Canadian women who have made extraordinary gains in the world of music.

But unlike her pop, rock and country peers Krall tends to shy away from the headlines and let her craft do the talking.

And last night's premiere performance at Festival Canada in the NAC Studio was proof that Krall's new status as an international jazz heavyweight is born on the wings of greatness.

Joined on stage by the affable Russell Malone on guitar and the fluid acoustic bass of Neal Caine, Krall dished out a dynamic serving of styles and influences -- adding her own distinctive personality to the mix.

Festival Canada organizers had smartly turned The Studio into a cabaret style room with small tables which gave the place the look and feel of a club and an ambience perfectly suited for the intimate touch that Krall and company delivered for close to 90 minutes.

Krall's smoky, sexy, scatty vocal style borrowed shades from both Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald -- as sensual as it was gymnastic. Her superb touch on the keys seemed like a perfect instrumental extension of her vocals, taking the lyrical backbone to a new level.

The bonus last night was the fine level the trio showed as a unit.

Solos moved seamlessly, with Malone adding dexterity to an obvious sense of fun on guitar, while Caine approached his bass with delicate spunk -- his style reminiscent of a cat kneading a pillowcase.

Grand stuff this, and it continues nightly through Saturday.

By the way, Krall will be signing autographs at HMV Sparks St. today at noon.

SUN RATING: 3.5 (out of 5)