Over the Rainbow

Jimmy Scott

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 27, 2001)
• Original Release Date: March 23, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Milestone
• ASIN: B00005ABHC
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #205,279 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
What remains of singer Jimmy Scott's voice after more than four decades plying the jazz waters is profound, what with its broken eggshell timbre, keening falsetto, and lived-in vibrato. That combination of elements brings the listener back again and again to Over the Rainbow, where the depth of emotion that Scott conveys is boundless. On his epic rendition of the title song, against the tolling, celestial airs of Joe Beck's alto guitar and Joe Locke's vibes, Scott sounds the longing of dreams deferred, and one is left with a deep feeling for the singer's grace. Since teaming up with producer Todd Barkan, Scott has upped the ante for every contemporary jazz singer, proving conclusively that it ain't the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog. Scott's vocal stylings are the closest thing extant to the high drama of late Billie Holiday, circa Lady in Satin, and that point's relevant here with his reading of "Strange Fruit." Against the fattening thunder of George Mraz's bass and Clarence Penn's drums, the Coletrane-ish lament of David "Fathead" Newman's tenor and Larry Willis's piano, plus the taut bluesy cries of Beck's guitar, Scott redefines Lady Day's masterpiece with the stunned wonder of someone entirely new to the art of song and the vagaries of racism. Throughout the album, spirited, deeply felt jazz accompaniments win the day beside Scott's inimitable voice. All is not heaviness, though. The opening "Pennies from Heaven" swings in a graceful, bluesy manner, while "P.S. I Love You" and "I'll Close My Eyes" are gently ingratiating, tender ballads, all after-hours smoke and nostalgia. Jimmy Scott is the real deal. --Chip Stern

Product Description
Japanese version featuring a bonus track: No Greater Love --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful album, April 27, 2001

By	Mr. C. Eales "chriseales" (London, UK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jimmy Scott and his Wisdom!, December 29, 2001

By	Roy L. Scott (Chesterfield, MI USA) - See all my reviews

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Over the Rainbow Jimmy Scott, April 19, 2001

By	Randy Beerman (Ft. Wayne, Indiana) - See all my reviews

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.