Shirley Scott & The Soul Saxes CD

The idea of a soul-jazz album full of well-worn chestnuts like the Isley Brothers' "It's Your Thing," Ben E. King's "Stand By Me," and Goffin/King/Wexler's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" might seem a bit pedestrian at first. But once Hammond B-3 maestro Shirley Scott sets her instrument swirling with the deeply groovy assistance of her lockstep R&B backing band, the results are nearly irresistible. It doesn't hurt that Scott's band includes saxophonists King Curtis (tenor sax), Hank Crawford (alto and baritone), and David Newman (on tenor and flute), who provide fat, brash punctuation and some fine solos throughout.

A crack rhythm section lays down the foundation for some funky, passionate playing, as on the group's reading of "You" and a fun, rave-up take on the Beatles' "Get Back." Scott's playing is at the center, however, and her gospel-inflected melodies and bebop-inspired runs imbue every track with equal doses of grit and grace. Wholly accessible, yet overflowing with technical chops, SHIRLEY SCOTT & THE SOUL SAXES will fit the bill for those who get a kick out of deep-down soul-jazz.

Liner Note Author: Joel Dorn.

Recording information: New York, NY (09/10/1968-07/10/1969).

Arranger: Marty Sheller.

Personnel: Shirley Scott (organ); Eric Gale (guitar); Chuck Rainey (electric guitar, electric bass); David "Fathead" Newman , King Curtis (flute, tenor saxophone); Hank Crawford (alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, brass); Ernie Royal (trumpet); Richard Tee (piano); Jerry Jemmott (electric bass); Jimmy Johnson , Jimmy Johnson, Jr. , Bernard "Pretty" Purdie (drums).

Audio Remixer: William Arlt.