Darrell Scott Live In NC CD

Darrell Scott's new "Live in NC" recalls the record -buyer's rush I felt mail-ordering a couple of limited edition CDs some years ago from Richard Thompson's website. They captured the great singer/songwriter guitarist performing electrically and acoustically with bassist Danny Thompson (no relation). The discs did a fine job conveying how these two men command a stage like a couple of ancient English monarchs (wise and benevolent ones, of course) reincarnated as stringed instrument musicians. Could the parallels be any clearer? "Live in NC" pairs Scott, a stateside wizard of guitar and song, with Danny's bass and the syncopated, deeply grooved timekeeping of drummer Kenny Malone. Like Richard Thompson, Scott writes beautifully, deeply informed by his native folk culture and musical druids. He's a powerhouse singer, and whether by himself or, as here, with gifted collaborators, he can take both acoustic and electric guitar to dazzling, unexpected heights of flat-out jamming. Matching wits and intensity with Danny Thompson might intimidate some (this is a heavily credentialed veteran who practiced ten hours a day as a young comer), but Scott proves here what those who've followed his rise through Americana and country songwriting already know-that he toiled for years playing long hours in bars and on endless road swings, making the rent, finding himself, and honing the precision and passion you hear in his playing today. Even a dedicated music freak could go a year without finding a show this good to see in person. Kenny Malone's vast experience in Nashville studios has ripened into subtlety, not showiness, on the skins. Danny's tone and articulation gives the thundering bass its own distinct voice in the mix-headliner status if you will. And Scott's extraordinary songs (plus a few tasty classics) unify and organize an intimate communion between performers and audience. "Live album" often implies a BIG performance in a BIG place, but those tend to vaguely disappoint. Here's more of an unpretentious, from-the-road snapshot of masters (if not monarchs) at work, with all the rush of that limited edition mail-order bootleg, without the hassle. - Craig Havighurst, Nashville 2004

The cover credit on this live trio album reads "Darrell Scott, Danny Thompson and Kenny Malone," and the progressive British folk-rock bassist (best known for his work with Pentangle and Richard Thompson) and stalwart Nashville session drummer deserve the equal billing. Rarely has the singer/songwriter's material sounded better than it does on these loose, expansive takes. There are only nine songs on this 63-minute album, stretched out into jazzy instrumental vamps that only very rarely devolve into tiresome jam band showboating. All three players solo tastefully (Thompson's best showcase is at the end of the bluesy opener, "Miracle of Living"), although Scott's nicely weathered voice and solid guitar playing remain in the forefront. A small handful of covers between the originals are a pleasant change of pace, but no more. Low-key but entertaining, Live in NC should charm Scott's fans. ~ Stewart Mason

Personnel: Darrell Scott (guitar); Danny Thompson (bass guitar); Kenny Malone (drums).

Dirty Linen (p.45) - "The feel of the album is loose and improvisational. Both Thompson and Malone get some greet solo spaces, while Scott sings, intones poetry, and generally displays excellent guitar-playing skills..."