Boundless

Scott Wilkie

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 9, 1999)
• Original Release Date: February 9, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Narada
• ASIN: B00000I0R3
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #297,600 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Keyboardist Scott Wilkie's debut recording is an agreeable collection of melodic, pop-jazz ensemble pieces that are hospitable almost to a fault. Wilkie's upbeat, eager-to-please approach serves nearly every selection sunny-side up, and the prevailing cheerfulness makes more-subdued pieces, such as the piano-focused "Reverie" and "Song for Shari," welcome respites. Still, it's hard to fault Wilkie's intentions, and when he chooses to bypass electric keyboards (which sound a bit dated at times) or remembers to lock the saxophonists out of the studio, his compositions rise a notch above standard smooth-jazz fare. Guitar-supported tracks, such as "Nothing Yet" and "Poolside," are among this disc's better offerings. Guest players include Russ Freeman, Nathan Brown, and John Patitucci. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Contemporary jazz with great chops and arrangements..., April 19, 1999

By	Todd Ague ([e-mail]) (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

I just picked up the debut CD, "Boundless", from accomplished jazz keyboardist Scott Wilkie right here at Amazon.com. I've known Scott since 1984 (we're both alumni of the Detroit r&b/jazz scene), so I knew to expect a wonderfully-produced CD of very musical, tightly arranged songs. The CD actually exceeded my already high expectations. There is something on Boundless for every contemporary jazz fan, from energetic, funky grooves ("Sporty!", "Sailcats"), to more introspective, melodic tunes (i.e., "Rivertown", and the solo piano "Reverie").

ALL aspiring keyboardists (and jazz players/listeners in general) will want this CD for three reasons: (1) The chord comping and overall arrangements (very innovative use of sounds, voicings, passing chords and dynamics); (2) The solos (the clavinet solo on "Those" is amazing...if you're a player, it alone makes the CD worth the price!); (3) The sounds and production - incredibly clean, with tight bass/drum tracks, wonderful saxophone tone/interplay, and outstanding percussion. The piano (much of it David Benoit's 7'5" grand) and other keyboards are also outstanding.

Scott is a rare exception in today's jazz keyboard world. He is a superb player, writer, arranger and performer (check out his stage presence and obvious love for live playing when The Scott Wilkie band comes your way). Scott's playing reminds me of a unique cross between Joe Sample and Jeff Lorber - but with his own signature. What puts Scott in the "rare exception" category, though, is his technical/production skill. Unlike many top performers, Scott is also very accomplished in the technical arena. A MIDI/digital production virtuoso with extensive background as a Roland Keyboards product specialist, he produces and assists in the mixdown of all his material - recorded over a two year period at his own state-of-the-art facility and other L.A. area studios.

Joining Scott and bandmates Matthew Von Doran (guitars), Nathan Brown (bass) and David Owens (drums) on "Boundless" are a host of other top flight studio musicians. Saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, guitarists Paul Jackson Jr. and Russ Freeman, reknowned bassist John Patitucci (as in Chick Corea's Electric Band), percussionist Steve Reid and others all contribute significantly to the CD.

In short, this one gets my vote for "Best New Artist of 1999" in the contemporary jazz category. Check "Boundless" out for yourself...you won't be disappointed!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I can't wait for the next cd to be released next year!, October 27, 1999

By	Clarine Kennedy "Books and Music Lover" (Aliso Viejo, California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This music contains all the elements that made me love the ENTIRE cd the very first time I heard it. The rhythms are hot and driving on some cuts, but soulful and sweet on others. It's obvious that each musician plays with a personal passion because it shows through the music. The songs are original and arrangements are brilliant.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scott's the MAN, November 9, 2001

By	Brian Gillie (Guilford, CT USA) - See all my reviews

Notice that all reviewers are raving about this guy? Notice that there are none of his CDs for sale used? We have all discovered this gem in the confluence of "smooth jazz" and for me it remains my most beloved of the hundreds of jazz CDs I have acquired over the years. No formulaic compositions here, and most notably, live crisp drums replacing the ever so routine and annoying drum machines that permeate smooth jazz radio formats. Funky, mellow, danceable, thought-provoking - a style and melodly to fit every mood - completely. And this guy can play - like the Warren Hill or Earl Klugh of his instrument, in compositions of astounding harmonic and rhythmic layers and variations; music that thankfully reassures the listener in these uncertain times. For the second most played CD in my collection, I wear out his other gem, More Than You Know. I hope you take a chance and bring this sensitive musician into your home and heart.