Speak Low

Boz Scaggs

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 28, 2008)
• Original Release Date: September 30, 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B001EI5C0A
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,528 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

Singer/songwriter Boz Scaggs enjoyed considerable solo success in the 1970's with several Top 20 Hits including "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" along with the top selling Silk Degrees album. Scaggs spent much of the 1980's in retirement, owning and operating the San Francisco nightclub Slim's and limiting his performances primarily to the club's annual black-tie New Year's Eve concerts. In 1988 he resurfaced and spent the years consistently releasing new material including Here's the Low Down, Fade Into Light, Dig and a collection of standards called But Beautiful.

Product Description

Speak Low his 17th. studio album; a follow-up to 2003's But Beautiful - "a sort of progressive, experimental effort ... along the lines of some of the ideas that Gil Evans explored" says Boz. Songs on the album include Chet Baker's "She Was Too Good To Be True," Johnny Mercer's "This Time the Dream's on Me," the often recorded "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free" and the Kurt Weill/Ogden Nash title track. "I'm a vocalist," Scaggs says. "I come more out of a blues/rhythm & blues background, but this is a different way of using my voice, and much more musically challenging and adventurous for me."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Boz has a extraordinary emotional voice!!!, October 31, 2008

By	J. R Sategna (Martinez, California United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This cd is a real change for Boz. It showcases how great his vocal abilities are. No rock and roll here--just low key jazz vocal songs that are mellow and effective. Fans of Boz will love this cd. Its perfect for being alone with your girlfriend boyfriend or spouse in front of a fireplace to set you in the mood. After two or three listens to this cd, you will be hooked. Boz as we all know, is one hell of a singer. The songs are well chosen and contain emotional lyrics. Here he is in another world and you will love it. Get it now!!!!!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "A Transcendent Feeling of Stopping Time - Doing Nothing - and Letting These Great Songs Carry Us Along", February 20, 2009

By	Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* (CA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

"It started out with the basics - finding the song and choosing a key - and proceeded with experiments in feel, rhythm, and tempo. But it is the stillness we tried to preserve, a transcendent feeling of stopping time - doing nothing - and letting these great songs carry us along." ~ Boz Scaggs ~

It's so nice to listen to Boz Scaggs once again and revisit his striking vocal artistry having been one of my favorite singers in the Seventies. He's not only a great singer, he plays incredible guitar too and not to mention he writes songs as well. I love some of his songs like "Heart of Mine," "Look What You've Done To Me" and "We're All Alone." I'm so glad that he came up with this wonderful album of self-chosen standards with fresh arrangements and totally enchanting interpretations. The chart arrangements by a gifted pianist/arranger, Gil Goldstein, are nothing short of splendid. According to the Grammy-winning-singer-songwriter-guitarist, "Gil has an expression on the piano like Bill Evans - a light touch that suspends notes at a time or in deft clusters like stars in the night sky." This is probably the highest compliment ever given to him. Some of the most remarkable recordings of Chris Botti were also done with the multi-Grammy-winning musician/arranger, Gil Goldstein.

This album is a beautiful collaboration between Boz Scaggs (vocals/guitar), Gil Goldstein (arranger/piano/accordion/Rhodes/Wurlitzer) and a crew of skilled musicians such as Mike Mainieri (vibes/marimba), Alex Acuna (drums/percussion), Bob Sheppard (sax), Joyce Hammann (violin/concertmaster), Laura Seaton (violin), Scott Colley (bass), Lawrence Feldman (flute), among many others. The exceptional musicianship is simply the result of a flawlessly-produced album of time-tested standards from the pens of Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Johnny Mercer, Hoagy Carmichael, Ogden Nash, Kurt Weill, Duke Ellington and Harold Arlen, and a few others.

Boz Scaggs kicks off with his handsome rendition of an all-time favorite song of mine, "Invitation." (Joe Sample recorded the most beautiful instrumental version of this song that can be heard in Invitation). The listeners are invited to a one-of-a-kind musical adventure that promises a dozen of songs rendered in the most enchanting fashion. Every song has its own charms, but the loveliest musical moments include the title track, "Speak Low" which is a real beauty and made more special with Mike Mainieri's articulate and expressive chops on vibraphone, one of my top favorite instruments. My special mention goes to him for his exquisitely brilliant work not only on this track, but on the entire album. "I'll Remember April" is absolutely stunning. I love every little thing about it and if you will listen closely to its breathtaking forty-five seconds bridge, you will know what I mean. "Skylark" is a total charmer. "Dindi" has become my favorite new version with its ear-catching delivery. "I Wish I Knew" is hauntingly lovable. "She Was Too Good To Me" is given the most heartfelt treatment and same with "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me."

If I could whisper in your ear a piece of musical advice...buy this without having second thoughts. You won't regret it. Also, a perfect companion to this album is But Beautiful, Standards: Volume 1. You're in for a lovely musical delight.

After listening to this three times in a row, this is my verdict...

Disenchanted? No. Enchanted? Yes!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfection, Why We Listen To Music, November 10, 2008

By	D. Sean Brickell (gorgeous Virginia Beach, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Boz Scaggs, with the sole exception of the incomparable Van Morrison, is our greatest singer today. This CD validates his artistic vision and accentuates his relaxed smooth style.

Not a filler nor throwaway cut on this release, each is a genuine treasure. It's all-but guaranteed that you'll start on the first track and listen to the end. Then begin the process once more. You cannot get fatigued. I flew coast-to-coast last week, listening to this CD through noise-canceling headphones non-stop.

The texture of Mr. Scaggs's voice, his immaculate phrasing, the superb band, and the spellbinding song selection proves something: Perfection is why we listen to music.

Buy this today and enjoy it the rest of your life!