A limber energy runs through Liz Cole’s infectious “I Want to Be Happy.” The band picks up on her spirit, following and punctuating her lyricism. With a lovely demeanor, the songs unspool and work best when taken together. She leaves plenty of room for the rest of the group to stretch out, with some nice little solo flourishes and general spaciousness. Upright bass works overtime as the player displays a fluid motion, further adding to the soothing quality that ties the entire journey together.
Things start on a delicate note with the rushed brushstrokes of “I Want to Be Happy” which teeters between outright joy and madness, never settling into one thing. Like the chug of a train engine is the driving pulse of “You’re Sensational” as her vocals feel timeless. Reflective cadences roll through on the elegant strut of “I’d Give a Dollar for a Dime.” Subtle gestures reverberate into a vast, unknowable space as the piano work of “Love” feels deeply reassuring. Nods to one of my favorite genres appear on the Bossa Nova-inspired “Lobo Bobo.” Guitar gestures present inspiration from the great jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery with the dreamy-eyed “Lazy River.” Tying everything together, “I’m Still Here” has a contemplative air that closes out the set.
“I Want to Be Happy” shows Liz Coles possesses so much yearning, featuring little vignettes that display her ability to channel her emotions, share them with the world, and give the world a bit of optimism for the future.
#Liz Coles#I Want to Be Happy
