Mood Indigo
Do not pass go, go directly to the Grammy awards. This is one of the most emotionally gripping, deeply satisfying vocal recitals in a month of Sundays. Jimmy Scott's roots in classic jazz and R&B; give him a lifetime of experience to call upon, and now withMood Indigo, producer Todd Barkan has placed Little Jimmy in the type of context his talent deserves. Barkan has surrounded the vocalist with a prime selection of mature modern jazzmen, self-assured in their own mastery and dedicated to the goal of creating an open, swinging canvas on which Scott can portray his genius for storytelling and emotional inflection. On "Imagination," Scott evokes a chilling sense of longing and resignation, as saxophone legendHank Crawfordand harmonica player Grégorie Maret offer spare, impeccably crafted solo ripostes, which only deepen the impact of Scott's fragile, lived-in instrument. Even more engrossing is Scott's convocation with pianistCyrus Chestnut, bassistGeorge Mraz, and drummerGrady Tateon the title tune, one of the most harrowing readings of the standard on record. Each tune is a little gem, bejeweled with elegant details only master jazzmen can provide, as withJoe Beck's sinuous alto guitar on "Without a Song." Scott's ability to immerse listeners in the emotional subtext of a song, with nothing more than that eggshell falsetto, broad vibrato, and halting phrasing, is miraculous. He is the closest thing extant to theBillie HolidayofLady in Satin, and that's saying a mouthful.--Chip Stern