Dakota Staton's second Groove Merchant session refines the hip contemporary sound first introduced via the preceding
Madame Foo Foo. Paired with arranger
Manny Albam, she veers further away from conventional jazz sensibilities into soul, a move that perfectly complements her impassioned approach. Its earthy title notwithstanding,
I Want a Country Man boasts an urbane stylishness that underscores the late-night ambience of the set.
Albam's lovely arrangements serve both
Staton and the material, adding depth and energy to songs like "Make It Easy on Yourself" and "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know."