I Want To Be Happy
Self-Released, 2025
8/10
The debut record from the vocalist Liz Cole, the 10 songs here revolve around jazz and welcome many players to the standards, South American tracks and a Tom Waits’ cover.
The title track leads with Cole’s animated pipes alongside Aaron Serfaty’s playful drumming and Jacob Mann’s frisky keys, and “Mean To Me” follows with an intimate spirit that uses Darek Oles’ precise bass amid the expressive singing.
At the halfway point, “Love” is an emotive moment populated by Otmaro Ruiz’s elegant piano and Cole’s flawless voice, while “Lobo Bobo”, the best track, makes great use of Jonathan Richards’ playful bass alongside the festive scatting and Spanish singing.
“Lazy River” and “I’m Still Here” exit the record. The former showcases Larry Koonse’s radiant electric guitar in a soft setting, and the latter finishes with sublime balladry that aligns the powerful voice with light keys and bass.
An excellent first outing for the diverse singer, Cole knows her way around a tune that can swing just as it can get sensitive, and these worldly selections certainly warrant repeated listens.
Travels well with: Laird Jackson- Life; Shannon Gunn- On A Mountain