Customer Reviews

Over the Rainbow

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This new album from Jimmy Scott is one of the finest he has produced since resuming his recording career in 1990. The musicianship and production is superb, Dave Newman's sax and Michael Kanan's piano work being highlights for me. Every song carries Jimmy's originality and unique interpretetive skills, but it is the honesty and emotion that are most affecting. Jimmy's recording of "Strange Fruit" is a worthy sucsessor to those of Billie Holliday and Nina Simone, and in Jimmy's hands, the song's power is amplified so that it is shocking, emotionally brutal, yet simultaneously sad and so beautiful. "Pennies from Heaven" has long featured in Mr Scott's live set, and this version is excellent, and his take on "Just Friends" is extremely moving. I found "I got it bad and that aint good" to be perhaps the most emotive track. How anyone can produce as much longing as Mr Scott when he sings "She doesnt love me like I love her, nobody could...." is just beyond me. A fantastic album, true to jazz and to Jimmy's style, and radiating with the quiet confidence of an artist who is, at last, receiving the wide scale admiration he so richly deserves.

I am a big Jimmy Scott fan. His latest CD "Over the Rainbow" again has the great instrumental backup he has had since his comeback. Unfortunately it sounds like time is starting to erode his voice. While he hasn't had the range in his voice since his comeback he still had enough to transmit more feeling and touch me in ways few singers have. Unfortunately I'm afraid that age is starting to catch up with even the emotion he can generate. While I am happy I own the album and have listened to it many times, I would not recommend it as a first album for someone wanting to hear Jimmy Scotts true depth and emotion.

Mr. Jimmy Scott in his latest recording, "Over the Rainbow" has completed a superb vocal piece of work. His voice is creative, strong, smooth, and in control throughout the entire CD. For me, Scott's rendition of "All or Nothing at All" is spectacular! He delivers the jazz standard at an unmatched level. Just listen to it and flow along with the melodic journey that Scott & the musicians take you on. However, I must make mention of two other songs. The first is the title song "Over the Rainbow" (a classic by Judy Garland) and secondly, "Don't Take Your Love from Me." Each song has a different approach and definitely sets a patient tone. In particular I'm struck by the performances of George Mraz (bass) and Grady Tate (drums) and the arrangements by Joe Beck. Finally, Scott at 75 years of age is self-possessed and a lyrical genius. This CD is graceful and exhibits a bold and new approach to jazz artistry. Yes, simply put it is "SWEET." Jimmy Scott has endured the test of time and has distinctly established a fresh benchmark for others to measure their work. Unquestionably, this CD places him in a long awaited standing equal to his peers.

This man pours his heart and soul out in his singing like no other I know. Jimmy is truly deserving of every success that he gets.... I f you love jazz vocals with a whole lot of DEEP SOUL dont hesitate.. go get this!!! Keep the recordings happening Jimmy, may u be with us for many many more.....

Jimmy Scott's name belongs alongside Billy Holiday, Chet Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong as one of the best Jazz singers ever. He proves it again with this album. Although there are some sections of this album that I would like to see changed (ie, all the harmonica solos), his brilliance shines through. Scott's interpretation of Strange Fruit and When Did You Leave Heaven? are worth buying the album for alone.

I bought this on recommendation from an audiophile discussion forum. I sampled the tracks before I bought it and I was really excited when I heard that voice....until I received the cd. The voice was wonderful, along with the selections but the emphasis he placed on certain words made the wonderful voice and wonderful choices...really bad for me. Now not everyone enjoys the same styles...which I understand and this one was not for me. Try Chet Baker's "My funny Valentine" instead and you will be glad you did. If he changes his emphasis on words (Jimmy Durante is his current style) then I say buy all you can get your hands on...but until then...pass.