Linda Purl - Taking a Chance on Love (2020)

Classy and clever reads of standards are delivered by vocalist Linda Purl, as she’s teamed with a team of all stars in David Finck/b, Tedd Firth/p, Ray Marchica/dr and Nelson Rangell/reeds. The strength of her delivery lays with her effortless dynamic range, clear enunciation and wide eyed expressiveness, as on the wanderlust of “Pure Imagination/Never Never Land” and the relaxed “I Have Dreamed”. She sounds gloriously regretful with Firth on “Too Late Now” and is dainty on the waltzing “You Fascinate Me So”. With Rangell on tenor, she gives an aria of “Darn That Dream” and with his flute she is suave as the team sambas through “Wave”. She’s comforting and comfortable as she gives an assured duet with Firth on “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)” while showing she can change gears midway through the street on “And We Will Fly/Come Fly With Me”. Versatile joys.