ANNE BURNELL and MARK BURNELL, This Could Be the Start of Something Big

A wonderfully harmonious contemporary version of Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, multi-talented songwriters and vocal interpreters Anne Burnell and Mark Burnell (also a pianist/keyboardist) are longtime staples of the Chicago jazz scene who have also developed successful careers on their own.

Their latest magnificently diverse, eclectically arranged album has an auspicious but ironic title – This Could Be The Start of Something Big. That could refer to the joyful 13-track repertoire mostly showcasing the magic they create together via duets featuring their beautiful lead and vocal harmonies. Or it could remind us that, though they’ve been together personally and professionally for years, this collection catapults them into a fresh new era of musical possibilities.

While the spritely swing energy of the Steve Allen-penned title track gets the set off to a playful, rousing start, there’s deeper artistry to explore throughout, from Anne’s exuberant solo spotlight on a sizzling Afro-Cuban romp through “I Could Have Danced All Night” to their surreal vocalese (substituting for the original horn section) on a sultry version of Stevie Wonder’s Sir Duke that reels off the titles of numerous Ellington classics.

Though there are rhythmic variations galore and explosive solos by saxophonist Pat Mallinger and guitarist Fareed Haque, overall the album offers the warm intimacy of a living room concert by a couple clearly committed to each other and their freewheeling sense of jazz. Highlights include a sweet waltz through “Song Sung Blue,” the easy grooving romantic original “Give Me One More Song” and Mark’s playful, witty “Fiets Don’t Fail Me Now,” a compelling showcase for Mark’s lead vocals and improvisational piano excitement.

While the Burnells clearly take their craft seriously, they offer a glimpse into the humorous part of their relationship – and more of their joyful scat - on the breezy Dave Frishberg closer “Let’s Eat Home.”