Darden Purcell

Love's Got Me in a Lazy Mood

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MUSIC REVIEW BY Illiam Sebitz, 5 Finger Review

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Darden Purcell's third studio release, Love's Got Me in a Lazy Mood, is a meticulously crafted set of mid-century jazz elegance. Purcell and her ensemble, led by the inventive arrangements of guitarist Shawn Purcell, bring a modern vitality to the Great American Songbook and beyond. Featuring standout contributions from vibraphone virtuoso Joe Locke, the album is a vibrant exploration of standards, Latin-tinged gems, and even an original composition that firmly places Purcell's artistry in the contemporary jazz landscape.

The opener, "Willow Weep for Me," is an instant invitation into the album's rich sonic world where the vocalist functions as a conveyer of the melody as a lyrical storyteller and acts as an instrument during her scatting. Purcell's playful yet bluesy delivery, paired with Locke's shimmering vibraphone lines and Shawn's intricate guitar work, provides the characters for a resonant journey of interesting modern jazz. The 9/8 arrangement adds a rhythmic twist, and Purcell's wordless bebop passages confirm her mastery of jazz vocalese.

The title track, "Love's Got Me in a Lazy Mood," reflects Purcell's agility with angular melodies, her round tone, and impeccable diction, calling to mind the phrasing precision of a brass instrument. On "A Cottage for Sale," she slows things down, demonstrating her gift for phrasing heartfelt balladry. Her emotive phrasing imbues the classic with new poignancy, while the ensemble offers a lush but unobtrusive backdrop.

"Estrada Branca (This Happy Madness)" brings Purcell's fluency in the Latin jazz idiom. Singing in both Portuguese and English, she glides effortlessly over a swaying bossa nova groove provided by bassist Jeff Reed and drummer Todd Harrison. Shawn Purcell's romantic guitar solo and Todd Simon's colorful piano improvisation complement her vocals beautifully.

Purcell's original composition, "Chatterbox," is a thrilling composition based on the bebop and hard bop spirit. With lyrics that adorn the energy and notes of Shawn Purcell's clever melodic lines, this track is built on her ability to sing with horn-like articulation and breath control. Reed's bass intro and Locke's vibraphone accents provide a vibrant foundation for Purcell's captivating vocalese.

The arrangements, all crafted by Shawn Purcell, serve as perfect vehicles for Darden's vocal artistry, striking a remarkable balance between honoring jazz traditions and presenting them with a fresh, contemporary twist. The interplay between Locke's vibraphone and Shawn's guitar evokes the classic textures of George Shearing's groups, but the rhythmic nuances and harmonic depth are distinctly modern. Darden's vocal control and phrasing are remarkable throughout, her tone warm yet agile, ideally suited to the material.

The production—recorded at Tonal Park and mixed by Dave Darlington—ensures that every detail of the performances shines. Whether it's the woody resonance of Reed's bass or the shimmering decay of Locke's vibraphone, each element contributes to the album's polished yet organic feel.

At its heart, Love's Got Me in a Lazy Mood is a love letter to jazz history, particularly the sophisticated sounds of the 1950s and 1960s. Purcell's interpretations reflect a deep respect for the genre's greats—June Christy and Chris Connor come to mind—while her unique voice and sensibilities breathe fresh life into these timeless pieces. Her original lyrics on "Chatterbox" and her sensitive Portuguese rendition of "Estrada Branca" reveal an artist equally comfortable as a tradition-bearer and innovator.

Love's Got Me in a Lazy Mood is a standout album that celebrates the joy of collaboration and the role a vocalist can have in creating an alluring jazz modern jazz album. Purcell's vocals are outstanding in technique and expression, and the band's synergy brings Shawn Purcell's inventive arrangements to life with style and flair. This is music to savor—swinging, classy, and brimming with heart.

90/100








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