Jimmy Scott
Mood Indigo (Milestone)
It’s safe to say that Jimmy Scott doesn’t sound like any other vocalist in jazz. In fact, folks hearing him for the first time often mistake his high, delicate, emotion-filled voice for that of a woman. A hereditary condition that left the 75-year-old singer pre-pubertal did not stop him from embarking on a remarkable career that first got him noticed while singing in the Lionel Hampton Orchestra and has now spanned into its seventh decade. He is a first-rate interpreter of song who has influenced everyone from Nancy Wilson to Lou Reed. Following a few ill-suited ventures in recent years for non-jazz labels, Scott finds himself in an ideal setting on his first project for the venerable Milestone imprint. Several groupings of stellar musicians, including soulful saxman Hank Crawford, pianist Cyrus Chestnut, guitarist Joe Beck, and Toots-like harmonica player Gregoire Maret provide Scott with the sensitive and supportive backing that enables him to lend his full interpretive powers to a set of well-known standards by the likes of Ellington, Berlin, and Van Heusen. As are his trademarks, Scott demonstrates an unorthodox sense of phrasing and the uncanny ability to wring every drop of emotion and nuance, and then some, from every leaf of these evergreens. There may not be a more emotive singer anywhere. The title track and “Day by Day,” both featuring Crawford/Chestnut-led groups, are the highpoints to these ears. And like each and every tune on this fine session, Jimmy Scott leaves you with a broken heart. 
This article appears in Rick Perry.