Warren Hatfield's jazz album "Smile" took less than eight hours to record.

But the idea for the disc, which garnered seven Grammy Award nominations in four categories, had been bouncing around in the University of Northern Iowa graduate's head for years before the woodwind performer entered the studio.

And Hatfield's passion for the American songbook standards featured on the record paid off.

"It was a perfect take on every take," said Jim Linahon, the album's producer and another UNI grad who played trumpet on "Smile". "He was so well-prepared and he played so fantastically that it inspired everyone to play well."

The album, which includes strings and a rhythm section, is a tribute to jazz legend Paul Desmond, an alto saxophonist and composer best known for his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet.

"It's an album that I had thought of doing for a long time," said Hatfield, 76. "There just came a time when this dream had to be realized, or I had to forget about it."

The former South Dakota State University music professor plays soprano saxophone, alto saxophone and oboe on the disc.

"It's just good, straight-ahead jazz," said Hatfield, who now makes his home in Phoenix. "It's not in-your-face jazz. Desmond was a very melodic player and I try to be a melodic player as well."

"Smile" is named for its title track, a Charlie Chaplin tune that served as the theme for the 1936 silent film "Modern Times." Other songs on the album include: "Just Squeeze Me," by Duke Ellington; "Body & Soul," by John Green; and "Moment to Moment," by Henry Mancini.

"The quality is very, very good," said John Vallentine, director of UNI's School of Music. "We are very proud of these alumni from UNI. They really demonstrated that quality musicians are out there working and being very successful. It's a neat testament to some of our graduates."

In addition to Hatfield and Linahon, two other former UNI students who worked on the record. Jim Coffin played the drums and Jeff Tower added trombone pieces.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Grammy Awards. The ceremony will be broadcast Feb. 10 on CBS.

"The news that 'Smile' had been nominated was the most surprising and exciting news that I've had in a long, long time," said Hatfield, noting that he owes some of his success to his early musical training at UNI.

"The (UNI) School of Music, I think it's just fabulous," he said. "It certainly influenced and spawned my career. Those years were absolutely life-shaping for me."

Contact Mary Stegmeir at mary.stegmeir@wcfcourier.com.

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"Smile" received Grammy nominations for:

1. Best Jazz Instrumental Album by an individual or group

2. Best Engineered Album (James Linahon of LMP Records)

3. Best Instrumental Arrangement ("Smile" arranged by John Cacavas)

4. Best Instrumental Arrangement ("Laura" arranged by John Cacavas)

5. Best Instrumental Arrangement ("You Can't Go Home Again" written and arranged by Don Sebesky)

6. Best Jazz Instrumental Solo (Jim Linahon, trumpet solo on "You Can't Go Home Again")

7. Best Jazz Instrumental Solo (Tom Ranier, piano solo on "Tangerine")