Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Scott Morgan: Songs Of Life
Scott Morgan: Songs Of Life
ByMorgan's background in musical theater greatly informs his work on Songs Of Life, allowing him to exist in a variety of character spaces and scenes. His strength sits with his ability to tap into the proper emotional streams and put across an idea without coming off as disingenuous. It might sound like something that's easy to do, but it's not. The medley of Dave Catney's "Little Prayer" and Lerner and Loewe's "Wouldn't It Be Loverly"the former given as a threnody to its composer and other victims of the AIDS epidemic, the latter performed with a touching, featherweight deliveryis a prime example of the candor that comes through in Morgan's voice. "Lost In The Stars" is another one.
In terms of repertoire, Morgan proves to have catholic tastes. He takes a crack at vocalese by writing his own lyrics to a Chet Baker solo for "It's You Or No One," visits two James Taylor tunes, touches on Duke Ellington, investigates a number of Fred Hersch compositions, delivers a wonderfully nuanced take on Alan and Marilyn Bergman's "Like A Lover," and rides off into the sunset with the The Beatles' "I Will." Some of the material, such as Hersch's "Lazin' Around" and Ellington's "I'm Just A Lucky So And So," speaks in lighthearted tones; other tracks swing with style, guided by an ace crew that includes Hersch, bassist Matt Aronoff, and drummer Ross Pederson; and a good number of selections allow for deep reflection and rumination.
Some may shy away from dubbing Morgan a "jazz singer," but the classification of what he does, or what he is, is largely irrelevant. The veracity of his vocal work is what counts. He takes each song on its own terms, pulling personal meaning from the music and words while remaining respectful in his interpretations. That's all that anybody could want or ask for in a singer.
Track Listing
It's You Or No One; Little Prayer/Wouldn't It Be Loverly; Song Of Life; Lazin' Around; I Just Found Out About Love; Secret O' Life; Like A Lover; I'm Just A Lucky So And So; Lost In The Stars; I'll Follow; This Heart Of Mine; Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight; I Will.
Personnel
David Scott Morgan
bassScott Morgan: vocals; Fred Hersch: piano; Matt Aronoff: bass; Ross Pederson: drums; Joel Frahm: tenor saxophone (3, 5, 8); Janis Siegel: vocals (10).
Album information
Title: Songs Of Life | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Miranda Music
Comments
About David Scott Morgan
Instrument: Bass
Related Articles | Concerts | Albums | Photos | Similar To