Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Jimmy Scott: Over the Rainbow

115

Jimmy Scott: Over the Rainbow

By

Sign in to view read count
Jimmy Scott: Over the Rainbow
Though age may be taking its toll on the unmistakable voice of Jimmy Scott, that is not stopping the "Little" (in physical stature only) legend from making the most of his recent renaissance. No longer considered a novelty, this powerful performer is putting out some of the best work of his career. With the support of fellow big swingers like George Mraz and David "Fathead" Newman, Scott squeaks and struts his way through some of the great unsung (or at least less sung) selections from the Great American Songbook. From a dreamy, vibe-drenched trip through Harold Arlen’s "Over the Rainbow" to a well thought out exposition of Johnny Mercer’s epistle ending "P.S. I Love You," Scott uses his frailties to an advantage. His take on "Strange Fruit" is strongly reminiscent of Lady Day’s signature version, filled with fear and loathing of our cultural history. The spare, piano only version of Ellington’s "I've Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)" captures the Duke’s flair for simplicity and class. And when Scott signs off by asking "When Did You Leave Heaven?," you might want to ask him the same thing, for, though the voice may be a bit fallen, it remains the voice of an angel.

Track Listing

Pennies from Heaven; Over the Rainbow; All or Nothing at All; Strange Fruit; Don't Take Your Love from Me; Just Friends; P.S. I Love You; Everybody.

Personnel

Jimmy Scott
vocals

Album information

Title: Over the Rainbow | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Fantasy Jazz

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

What Was Happening
Bobby Wellins Quartet
Laugh Ash
Ches Smith
A New Beat
Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Generation Y

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.