Portraits and Places

Wow! Players keep "coming back", now that I've been at this for a good while (I first reviewed Scott's work in a quintet setting, way back in issue 89). This March 2016 release is his first recording as a jazz big band leader, and he nails it, no doubt! Just listen to the lovely "Aquas de Marco" to hear how powerful Scott's conducting, arranging &* alto flugelhorn work are... exciting also, because he's woven some beautiful vocal work in, around & through the changes that abound... one of the best Latin-influenced jazz pieces I've heard in a long time. If you're looking for something that will make you get up & dance the whole night long, you'll totally dig "3 'N 2'... super high-energy and power on this great tune. The totally cool fluidity on the opener, "The Soulful Mr. Williams", made it my personal favorite of the eight offered up... no question that "soul" runs rampant through this splendid track. I give Scott and his players (list is way too long, so check it out at the Origin Arts page) a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an "EQ" (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this cutting edge big band sound.