Stephen Scott: The Beautiful Thing

Jeff Duperon

Recent articles (9 total)

Published: July 1, 1997

One of the new breed of "neo-classic" artists that have emerged on the jazz scene in recent years, Stephen Scott is impressive in his approach to the subtle styling of his chosen instrument, piano. Just in his mid twenties, Scott has proven he can play with the masters (Joe Henderson - Lush Life ) and can assemble a group of peers who can flat out play, including Kenny Garrett and Branford Marsalis.

On The Beautiful Thing, Scott's playing brings order to the improvisation surrounding the themes. The group moves effortlessly through two Kenny Dorham compositions, "Blue Bossa" and "La Mesha." Throw in a Wayne Shorter opus ("Oriental Folk Song") and Ornette Coleman's classic "Lonely Woman," and you have a sense of the range of this young lion. There are also six Scott originals, including the rhythmic "The Heretic" and a poignant reading of "I Love Lucy," nice, sharp and to the point.

Stephen Scott - Piano, Jesse Davis - Alto Sax, Kenny Garrett - Alto Sax, Ron Blake - Tenor Sax, Branford Marsalis - Tenor Sax, Russell Malone - Guitar, Dwayne Burno, Bass, Victor Lewis -Drums, Dion Parsons - Drums, Steve Kroon - Percussion

Record Label: Verve Music Group
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream