Little Jimmy's Voice is Mighty Big

by Bob Powers

G21 Music Writer

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Bob Powers

MARIETTA, OH, USA - Jimmy Scott, who will turn 77 on July 17, could well be the greatest jazz singer of the 21st Century. Strong words, but for proof just enter your nearest music store and ask for a copy of "But Beautiful" (Milestone Records). While most singers have entered either retirement or the Pearly Gates at his age, Scott sings with gusto and offers interpretations of well-worn ballads that cause the listener to see what magic can emerge from this diminutive and delightful man.

This counts as Little Jimmy's (his nickname refers to the hereditary hormonal deficiency, which stunted his growth. His voice never deepened with puberty). He grew up (so to speak) in his native Cleveland, Ohio. He had some success as the vocalist with one of the Lionel Hampton big bands, made a few records for the Coral and Brunswick labels, and gradually faded in obscurity.

But Scott's voice was never forgotten and when he returned to show business in 1990 he found many musicians cheering. John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, told one of Scott's retinue that Lennon thought Scott was the best singer around.

The new album (if you care about jazz, you must acquire this beauty) contains jazz versions of 10 wonderful songs, opening with "You Don't Know What Love Is." My personal favorite is a wonderful reading of "When You Wish Upon a Star," from one of the Disney animated features released in the '40s. And there's a spectacular version of "I'll Be Seeing You." A devout Christian, Scott also does a hymn, "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," which will make your heart beat a little bit faster.

Producer Todd Barkan, who at one time ran the renowned night club in San Francisco called Keystone Corner, has assembled a stellar cast of backing musicians, including the acclaimed tenor saxist Eric Alexander, bassist George Mraz, the great singer Freddy Cole, and an assembly of other name performers.

One more thing. If you haven't heard Jimmy Scott, be alert to the fact that he sings with a vibrato large enough for someone twice his size. For years, I've ripped and complained about singers who carry massive vibratos. No more. Jimmy Scott makes it sound like a necessary part of his bag of tricks.

This, in case you haven't noticed, should be a shoo-in for the awards shows that turn up about a year from now.

Little Jimmy Scott, there's nothing little about your voice.

Spiritual Music Involves Listener

The group Lesiem has produced an album for Intentcity Records that should appeal to listeners who like to listen to music with a spiritual flavor, but doesn't bore at the same time. There's enough here to remind you of two groups, the popular Enigma and the darling of a previous generation, the unforgettable Pink Floyd.

I received little information with the CD, but this quote might give you a good idea of what Lesiem does:

"Born out of a male voice choir whose experience is based on a 50 year tradition, Lesiem soars across the heaven with their own brand of mystic pop. Combining Gregorian chants with world beat loops, guitars and dreamlike voices, Lesiem creates a unique style."

I'm not sure that the PR release is helpful, but it's a pretty album that should work well when you're trying to complete an arduous task in the dark of night.

Kitaro Music Times Two

The Japanese musician Kitaro has been one of the most popular musicians on the globe for a quarter century. His new album should make more admirers for his brand of exotic world music.

His new album, "An Ancient Journey" (Domo Records), takes the listener on a trip that produces soothing and unusual sounds. The sound he captures with traditional Middle Eastern and Chinese instruments. These are combined with Kitaro's analogue synthesizer, producing a pleasant and often stirring sound that can serve as background music, or by turning up the volume produce sounds which soothe while edged with excitement.

In other words, this two-disc package is nice stuff.

Good Ole Country Music

As regular perusers of this column know, it's rare when I receive a new country CD. The most recent arrival, courtesy of the U.S. Postal Service, is an album by Cory Morrow. "Outside the Lines" (Write On Records) is what I call real country music, which should thrill you if you recall the good old days of such performers as George Jones, Marty Robbins and the like.

Leader Cory Morrow has one of those pure Texas hillbilly voices that would entertain even if the songs weren't much. The pleasant surprise is that "Outside the Lines" packs a baker's dozen of excellent tunes. Morrow's voice seems almost perfect and the songs cover the usual array of topics. If you long for the songs when singers were singers and country was king, "Outside the Lines" should fit the bill.

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