Jimmy Scott If You Only Knew CD

Greg Berg, Warren Luckey, Bud Johnson (tenor saxophone); Leslie Johanakins (baritone saxophone); Phil Krauss (vibraphone); Kelly Owens (piano); Sal Salvador, Everett Barksdale, Mickey Baker (guitar); Jack Lesberg, Wendell Marshall, Leonard Gaskin (bass); Arthur Edgehill, Cliff Leeman, Sol Hall,

It's been well-chronicled that Little Jimmy Scott suffered from a hereditary disease that prevented him from going through puberty, and fortunately for the music world Scott used his disability as an asset in the form of his pure, elegant soprano voice. In 1955, Scott began recording for Savoy, and 1963's IF YOU ONLY KNEW bursts with the kind of unique talent the singer was putting across for the label right from the start. Scott is backed by a small combo here, and the intimacy of the setting and the tasteful arrangements suit his smooth, silky style to perfection. The songs, which include "Oh, What I Wouldn't Give," "Am I Wrong," and "Please Be Kind," are mostly torch ballads, which again proves a fine match for Scott. All of Scott's early releases on Savoy are excellent, and IF YOU ONLY KNEW is no exception.

Dave McRae (alto saxophone); Jerome Richardson (tenor saxophone, flute);

Kenny Clarke (drums).

Originally released on Savoy Records.

Digitally remastered by Paul Reid III (Denon Digital LLC).

Recorded at Belltone, New York, New York; Rudy Van Gelder Studios, Hackensack, New Jersey between June 23, 1955 and October 18, 1956.

Producer: Fred Mendelsohn.

Reissue producer: Dan Marx.

Personnel: Little Jimmy Scott (vocals); Everett Barksdale, Mickey Baker (guitar); Jerome Richardson (flute, tenor saxophone); Dave McRae (alto saxophone); Warren Luckey, George Berg, Budd Johnson (tenor saxophone); Leslie Johnakins (baritone saxophone); Howard Biggs, Kelly Owens (piano); Phil Kraus (vibraphone); Solomon Hall, Kenny Clarke, Arthur Edgehill, Cliff Leeman (drums).

Arrangers: Howard Biggs; Kelly Owens.

Personnel includes: Jimmy Scott (vocals); Howard Biggs (arranger, piano);