MARILYN SCOTT - Nightcap
(US Prana Entertainment, 2004)
I Wished On A Moon - Smile - Here's That Rainy Day - Stardust - Isn't This A Lovely Day -
Here's To Life - Yesterdays - If Its The Last Thing I Do
"Oh God!" I groaned not another set of covers...well, yes, it is, but very good it is too and definitely
one for those of you who are not only fans of this Lady, but of George Duke too. This is a very well
recorded and sophisticated jazz set that really has its roots in quality, real live instrument-led musicianship.
In the words of Marilyn Scott herself: Our goal was simplicity. Choose songs that are neither
shopworn nor clichéd. Choose classics. Make them fresh. Let them breath. Let the sessions take on
a life of their own. Give everyone room to express themselves."
Sounds good to me, and this actually works in practise as well as words. Marilyn is joined by some
fabulous musicians on this projects: Vinnie Colaiuta, Ray Fuller, Brian Bromberg, Dean Parks,
Brandon Fields, Dan Higgins, Rick Baptist, Lenny Castro and Dori Caymmi. Every track is a
gem in itself, but there are two standouts for me. The first standout is Jimmy Van Huesen's
"Here's That Rainy Day". The song simply oozes George Duke at his very, very classiest.
Rick Baptist immediately warmed me to this song with his trumpet and Marilyn stuns with her
silky interpretation. Brian Bromberg is unmistakeable on bass duties and all players gel so well.
I would just love to hear the chaps together working on new arrangements; new songs with the Lady.
The Brazilian groove of "I Wished On A Moon" is gorgeous and rates as highly as the latest work by
Elaine Elias. Dori adds his Jon Lucien-esc vocals at the tail end of the song,
and comparison's with the new Lucien set are totally valid indeed. Works of this sort of
quality emphasise the sheer talent of all involved, but it winds me up more than I can
describe to see the likes of 'safe' middle class artists such as Jamie Cullum and the
rest get all the plaudits and recognition when the likes of George Duke and Marilyn Scott beaver
away quietly unnoticed by the populus. Criminal. Still, I know I love these people and
I know you do too - perhaps it is good that they are "our little secret".
Please do not overlook this lovely album.
This, coupled with the Nicolas Bearde album makes heady listening in these coming
nights of roaring fires, candlelight and a bottle of wine. Superb.
- Barry Towler
