Love's Got Me in a Lazy Mood

Darden Purcell's third studio album, Love's Got Me in a Lazy Mood, is a collection of eleven songs that pays homage to mid-century jazz while infusing it with contemporary vitality. The album features inventive arrangements by guitarist Shawn Purcell. The contributions from vibraphonist Joe Locke on six of the tracks create a vibrant exploration of the Great American Songbook that jazz fans will find refreshingly interesting.

The opening track, "Willow Weep for Me," immediately immerses listeners in a rich sonic landscape of the sextet. Purcell's playful phrasing brings a hard-bop delivery, combined with Locke's swinging vibraphone lines and Shawn Purcell's impeccable guitar work. The vocalese in the middle section offers a resonant journey through bebop and modern jazz. The unique swing 9/8 arrangement adds a rhythmic twist.

The title track, "Love's Got Me in a Lazy Mood," highlights Purcell's agility with angular melodies, her round tone, and impeccable diction, reminiscent of the phrasing precision of a brass instrument. On "A Cottage for Sale," she elegantly expresses through the slow tempo, demonstrating her gift for heartfelt balladry. Her emotive phrasing imbues the classic with new poignancy, while the ensemble provides a lush yet unobtrusive backdrop.

"Estrada Branca (This Happy Madness)" demonstrates 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 inspiring guitar solo and Todd Simon's colorful piano improvisation complement her vocals beautifully.

An original composition, "Chatterbox," is a thrilling piece rooted in the bebop and hard bop spirit. With lyrics that adorn Shawn Purcell's clever melodic lines, this track highlights Darden Purcell's ability to sing with horn-like articulation and breath control.

The arrangements, all crafted by Shawn Purcell, are grounded in the small group vocal jazz traditions with a fresh, contemporary twist. The interplay between the various written parts is filled with rhythmic nuances and harmonic depth to distinctly give each selection its appeal. The production ensures that every detail of the performances shines.

In summary, Love's Got Me in a Lazy Mood is an album that celebrates the role a vocalist can have in creating an alluring modern jazz experience. 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. Darden Purcell's vocal control and phrasing are exceptional throughout, and her tone is warm yet agile, ideally suited to the material. This is music to savor—swinging, classy, and brimming with heart.