Paul McCartney has announced that his next solo album will include critically acclaimed pianist Diana Krall and her band.

Produced by Tommy LiPuma, who also produced George Benson‘s iconic 1976 album ‘Breezin”, the album will feature a range of ballads and jazz standards, alongside two brand new compositions by McCartney himself, ‘My Valentine’ and ‘Only Our Hearts’.

Recent reports also suggest that soul legend Stevie Wonder and McCartney’s long-time friend Eric Clapton will make guest appearances on the album.

Speaking about the album, McCartney said: “It was important for me to keep away from the more obvious song choices, so many of the classic standards will be unfamiliar to some people.”

The former Beatle also explained how he drew upon a range of influences for the album, saying: “I always thought artists like Fred Astaire were very cool. Writers like Harold Arlen, Cole Porter, all of those guys. I just thought their songs were magical. And then, as I got to be a songwriter I thought it’s beautiful, the way they made those songs.”

Despite approaching 70 years of age, Paul McCartney is showing no signs of slowing down, having just completed a 20-date tour in his home-town of Liverpool last week.

The British musician, songwriter and composer is already considered “the most successful musician and composer is popular music history” by the Guinness Book of World Records, having been part of the iconic rock-band The Beatles before launching an hugely successful solo career.

The album, which is currently untitled, is due for release February 2012.

Listen to McCartney’s upcoming single ‘My Valentine’, featuring Eric Clapton on Acoustic Guitar, below: