This recording of "Walking in the Sunshine" comes from Stella Cole's 2023 album Stella Cole (Extended Version). Written by Bob Merrill, the song is an upbeat, feel-good number that provides a welcome contrast to the ballads and torch songs found elsewhere on the album. Cole performs it with an infectious shuffle groove at 127 BPM, lending the track a joyous, carefree energy. The arrangement features a full-chorus organ solo by Ben Paterson over the 32-bar AABA form in G. Paterson's organ work brings a soulful, bluesy dimension to the performance, recalling the organ-combo tradition of Jimmy Smith and Brother Jack McDuff while remaining firmly in the service of the song's sunny disposition. His solo stretches across the full form, giving him ample room to develop ideas and build momentum through the AABA structure. The shuffle feel gives the track a rhythmic bounce that sets it apart from the straight-ahead swing and ballad treatments that dominate the album, showcasing the versatility of both Cole as a vocalist and her accompanying musicians. The inclusion of organ rather than piano on this track adds a distinctive textural variety to the album's palette, and Paterson proves equally adept on both instruments. The performance captures the simple pleasure of a well-crafted pop song elevated by first-rate jazz musicianship.
