Jimmy Scott Mood Indigo CD

The resurgence of interest in Jimmy Scott late in the singer's life brought forth a series of exemplary albums, including HEAVEN, DREAMS and HOLDING BACK THE YEARS. With 2000's MOOD INDIGO, Scott turns his attention to a set of standards, backed by a couple of different small combos and players.

Scott's regular pianist, Michael Kanan, performs on about half the tracks, while Cyrus Chestnut (joined by drummer Grady Tate and bass player George Mraz) is heard on most of the rest. Guitarist Joe Beck is on hand for a few numbers, most notably on "There Will Never Be Another You." Adding a sympathetic contrast is harmonica player GrTgoire Maret, with his bending notes echoing Scott's regal voice. Warmly recorded, every subtle sound is riveting in its clarity. MOOD INDIGO is an emotionally rich and dazzling experience.

Recorded at Current Sounds, New York, New York on March 15-17, 2000. Includes liner notes by Will Friedwald.

Personnel: Little Jimmy Scott (vocals); Joe Beck (guitar); Gregoire Maret (harmonica); Hank Crawford (alto saxophone); Cyrus Chestnut, Michael Kanan (piano); Grady Tate, Victor Jones (drums).

Audio Mixer: Michael Semanick.

Liner Note Author: Will Friedwald.

Recording information: Current Sounds, New York, NY (03/15/2000-03/17/2000); New York, NY (03/15/2000-03/17/2000).

Photographer: John Abbott .

Arrangers: Grady Tate; Little Jimmy Scott; Joe Beck ; Michael Kanan; Todd Barkan; Robert Sadin.

Personnel: Jimmy Scott (vocals); Hank Crawford (alto saxophone); Gregoire Maret (harmonica); Cyrus Chestnut, Michael Kanan (piano); Joe Beck (alto guitar); George Mraz, Hilliard Greene (bass); Grady Tate, Victor Jones (drums).

Spin (9/00, p.189) - 8 out of 10 - "...A sublime set of straight-ahead jazz standards....managing to make both 'Blue Skies' and 'Smile' sound like a comforting arsenic drip."
The Wire (10/00, p.73) - "...This is a compelling showcase for the artistry of one of the truly great jazz singers."
CMJ (6/19/00, p.29) - "...Scott is like a good bottle of wine - he just keeps getting better with age....Known for his behind-the-beat phrasing, [he] chops words up by the syllable or he stretches them out...adding depth to familiar songs..."
Down Beat (11/00, pp.63-4) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...A lovingly realized collection of tunes culled from the Great American Songbook....Exquisite stuff."
JazzTimes (10/00, p.88) - "...[His] jazz chops are on display...finding his haunting tenor singing familiar standards..."
Mojo (Publisher) (9/00, p.104) - "...The feeling of sheer class pervades....Pain and pleasure in equal quantities..."