DOUBLE TREAT; DIANA KRALL, BOWL'S JAZZ ORCHESTRA MAKE MUSIC TOGETHER.

Byline: Rob Lowman Entertainment Editor

Most of the people who showed up at the Hollywood Bowl on Wednesday night were there to see jazz diva Diana Krall, but they were also treated to a delightful set from the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and some fun collaborations.

Wednesday's event was the first of eight jazz nights at the Bowl, which will feature the orchestra. Also making its bow was a new set designed especially for CHJO.

But first Krall, who didn't disappoint. With a hit new album, ``When I Look Into Your Eyes,'' and her glamourous image popping up in numerous magazines - the pianist-singer may have a lot to live up to these days. But Krall's talent is undeniable. It would be easy to nitpick her vocal stylings or piano playing, but that's what it would be - nitpicking.

She first came on at the end of CHJO's set to sing three songs. Dressed in a light blue satin pants ensemble with a long white jacket, she kicked off with ``East of the Sun.'' The first thing you notice is that after years hunkered down at a piano fronting her own trio, Krall isn't quite comfortable just standing behind a microphone. She isn't stiff - she taps her foot and moves her arms - but her body language doesn't match her smooth, sultry vocals. Nevertheless, it isn't enough to detract from the music. It's those lovely, smart interpretations of pop standards that has made Krall such a draw.

Coming out in the second half with her quartet - Krall on piano, plus guitar, bass and drums (added for this tour) - she seemed much more in her element. The piano almost became part of her as her fingers flew over the keys, which was a remarkable contrast to those seemingly effortless vocals.

But there is nothing effortless about Krall's vocal. It's an illusion. Like Astaire when he was dancing, she never shows the sweat. Take the Cole Porter classic ``I've Got You Under My Skin,'' a song done countless times by the best in the business, including Frank Sinatra, who Krall cited. Yet Krall manages to give it a fresh reading, avoiding the obvious dynamics and cliched phrasing that most vocalists use, instead getting under your skin (in a pleasurable way) as she seductively lingers over the notes.

Krall showed her fun side with ``Peel Me a Grape,'' and the audience clearly enjoyed her understated Mae West-ish growl as she reeled off a command: ``When I say do it/ jump to it.'' It was also clear that Krall enjoyed the interworkings of the small combo, whose members all took extended solos on such tunes as a driving rendition of the late Bobby Troupe's ``Route 66.'' Later, the CHJO returned and her superb piano work shone with the instrumental ``Krall in the Groove.''

She ended the evening standing behind the mike again, singing ``I Can't Give You Anything but Love'' with the CHJO providing a big-band sound behind her. As her career grows, Krall is likely to be doing more of this. And while she may not be at ease in such situations, she knows how to sell a song the way it counts - musically.

The evening opened with the CHJO doing a few numbers. The orchestra is the backbone of the Bowl's summer jazz series, and L.A. should be thankful. Under the direction of John Clayton, the CHJO gives its music an edge without pushing it over. The arrangements are witty and subtle, and the 18-piece orchestra is made up of terrific instrumentalists. The Bowl will be in good hands this summer.

Oh yeah, that new set for the orchestra. Not bad, but not as good as the music.

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Photo: Diana Krall joins the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra for a set at Wednesday's jazz night at the Hollywood Bowl.

Phil McCarten/Daily News