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Marilyn Scott: Standard Blue
ByJoined by keyboardist Russell Ferrante, bassist Jimmy Haslip, guitarist Michael Landau ,and winds player Bob Mintzer (who plays solely bass clarinet here), the core of the Yellowjackets is well represented, bringing with them a contemporary mindset honed to a fine artistic edge. Ferrante handles the arrangement duties, with Mintzer adding his horn arrangement to the sleekly stylized, "Speak Low." Which brings us to what is special, even exceptional, about this recording. Scott addresses nine standards and one original cast very differently from most "standards" recordings.
Ferrante is very forward thinking, putting the contemporary spin he was famous for with the Yellowjackets to work here. Spatial and clever, Ferrante's arrangements incorporate cross-rhythms and time signatures in provocative and delightful ways. "Willow Weep for Me" is airy and ethereal with plenty of space. Scotts voice is certain and assured throughout the recording. Outstanding instrumentally was guitarist Landau, whose solo on the Strayhorn/Ellington "Day Dream" (composed in 1941!) is a revelation in translation. The most effective updating of a tune is the Starwars spin the group puts on Fats Waller's 1937 "The Joint is Jumpin.'"
Track Listing
Willow Weep for Me; Speak Low; A Flower is a Lovesome Thing; Never Let Me Go; Day Dream; Blue Prelude; I Wouldn’t Change It; East of the Sun; I’ve Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good; The Joint is Jumpin’
Personnel
Marilyn Scott
vocalsMarilyn Scott: vocals; Gary Novak: drums; Michael Landau: guitar; Russell Ferrante: keyboards; Jimmy Haslip: bass; Bob Mintzer: bass clarinet; Ambrose Akinmusire: trumpet. Produced by Jimmy Haslip, Erik Zobler and Marilyn Scott
Album information
Title: Standard Blue | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Prana Entertainment