Album Review of
Taking a Chance on Love

Written by Joe Ross
May 4, 2020 - 10:20pm EDT
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With a resume that includes TV series, movies, Broadway and off-Broadway shows, talented actress Linda Purl is also an accomplished singer with several albums out. “Taking a Chance on Love” is Purl’s third collaboration with pianist Tedd Firth. Other musicians featured are David Finck (bass), Ray Marchica (drums) and Nelson Rangell (reeds). This project features a nice choice of imaginative material while still keeping true to the theme of life and love’s grand possibilities. The smoky-voiced cabaret singer projects sensuality and sophistication. A traditional stylist, she explores a pleasant variety of material while sensibly balancing both accessibility with complexity.  Her exceptional technique and execution, along with Firth’s arrangements, bring the songs to life and impart a sense of artistry. Purl is equally comfortable with ballads like “Try Your Wings” as she is with Broadway (“I Have Dreamed”) and Latin (“Wave”) pieces. A couple other favorites are her renditions of Jimmy Van Heusen’s “Darn That Dream” and “Come Fly With Me.” She closes with an evocative arrangement of Billy Joel’s “Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel).” Her sweet vocalizing of the romantic lyrics is simply eloquent over the piano-centric arrangements.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)