Cal Scott Fierce Joy CD

Sometimes, we get lucky, and artists eager to prove themselves put on blinders and go for broke in the jam department. Most recent case in point, electric guitarist Cal Scott, whose debut Fierce Joy is all about unabashed live-feeling ensemble energy, damn the radio consequences. In other words, there's few true meltdown tracks tailor made for smooth jazz. Even the breezy title track offers a tough percussion base, and the Miles-like closer soars in a classical vein. What we get instead are hooky melodies pumped up by less restrained sax and flute blowing by Jeff Holman, spunky piano solos by Barry Aiken and Scott's nonstop funk-rock power, all backed by Sandin Wilson's throbbing bass. It would be exciting enough to spotlight rock guitar as a funk hallmark, but Scott has other surprises up his eclectic sleeve, as he delves spontaneously into Latin brass flavors and, right in the middle of a piece, goes purely jazzy on us. Scott is one small indie label artist who shouldn't stay small for long. ~ Jonathan Widran

Fierce Joy is Cal Scott's second contemporary jazz CD. It features Cal on electric and acoustic guitar, and Cal's working band of amazing players. This set of tunes is full of great melodies, singing solos from all the players, tight arrangements and stellar studio production. The tunes range from the good time R&B grooves of "Side Car "and "On the Town" to the Latin jazz of "Fierce Joy" and "Lips So Fine." "Adrift on the Sun and Moon" shows Scott's film score leanings, and features Cal on piano and muted cornet. "Electric guitarist Cal Scott's ...Fierce Joy ... is all about unabashed live ensemble energy... what Scott offers listeners are hooky guitar melodies pumped up by the sax and flute playing of Jeff Homan, spunky piano solos by Barry Aiken and Sandin Wilson's throbbing bass. And Scott has other surprises up his production sleeve, letting loose Latin horn riffs one moment, devolving into near straight-ahead trio the next. Scott is one small label artist who promises a big future." JAZZIZ magazine Nov/Dec 1996"Guitarist and composer Cal Scott at his best works tight rock riffs and unexpected elements into jazz timings a la Robben Ford. The best tracks on his Fierce Joy ...introduce some of these instincts...When Scott allows his edgier instincts to take hold, his band answers with fine support, generating tight grooves and timings." JAZZ TIMES, December 1996"Smoking date for those riding the creative tip ala Zappa/lite jazz. The on board crew is an array of up and coming hitters as well. Well done." Midwest Record Recap, June 14, 1996 (Review of Fierce Joy,) "Hot Jazz: Local guitarist Cal Scott and his tight group, which includes percussionist Bruce Smith and saxophonist Jeff Homan, have emerged from the studio with an impressive fusion CD, "Fierce Joy." The album combines jazz, rock, funk and Latin and shows off plenty of soloing talents by Scott and the rest of the band." The Oregonian, 4/16/96Cal Scott is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who has scored over 30 specials and documentaries for PBS.JazzTimes (12/96, p.107) - "Guitarist and composer Cal Scott at his best works tight rock riffs and unexpected elements into jazz timings a la Robben Ford..."