Album Review: Love Blossom by Lucien Denni
Alright, let’s talk about Love Blossom by Lucien Denni. It’s one of those jazz albums that kinda sneaks up on you. You’re not expecting much, and then—bam—it’s like someone handed you a warm cup of coffee on a chilly day. The genre? Jazz. But not just any jazz—this is Big Band jazz, the kind that makes you wanna grab a partner and spin around the room, even if you’ve got two left feet.
The album’s out on Edison Laboratories, which feels fitting because, honestly, this record has a vibe that’s both old-school and kinda groundbreaking in its own way. Two tracks really stuck with me: “My Golden Rose” and the title track, “Love Blossom.”
“My Golden Rose” hits different. Right off the bat, the brass section comes in like a surprise party you didn’t know you needed. The trumpets are sharp but smooth, and there’s this sax solo halfway through that feels like it’s telling you a story—one of those stories your grandpa would tell, full of wisdom and a little bit of sass. I found myself replaying that part over and over, like, “Wait, what did he just say?” (Not literally, obviously. It’s music.)
Then there’s “Love Blossom,” which is just...chef’s kiss. It starts slow, almost like it’s shy, but then the whole band jumps in, and suddenly it’s this big, bold declaration of joy. I mean, you can practically feel the love in the air when you listen to it. The rhythm’s infectious, too—I caught myself tapping my foot so hard I almost kicked over my coffee table.
What’s cool about this album is how it doesn’t try too hard. It’s not flashy or overproduced. It’s just good, honest Big Band jazz that lets the instruments do the talking. And honestly, sometimes that’s all you need.
Here’s the thing, though: after listening to Love Blossom, I started wondering why more people don’t make music like this anymore. Like, where did all the big bands go? Did they get tired? Did they all start playing in tiny clubs instead? Or maybe they just decided, “Nah, let’s leave it to Lucien Denni.” Either way, this album’s a gem.
Oh, and fun fact: I listened to this while folding laundry, and I ended up dancing so much I forgot to fold half of it. So yeah, Love Blossom’s got that effect. It’s not just music—it’s an experience.
