Featured Artist: Jeremy Scott

Jazz CD cover CD Title: Movin' On

Year: 2005

Record Label: Independent

Style: Smooth Jazz

Musicians: Jeremy Scott (alto saxophone, piano, EP) Eric Harvey (bass), Serena Smith (drums), Robert Burks (guitar), Brett Murphey (trumpet), Dave Smith (trombone), Jennifer Randle, Tiwan Strong (vocals)

Review:

Milwaukee native Jeremy Scott is a saxophonist who can be classified as a remarkable talent; in fact, this 22-year old dynamo has made quite a name for himself in and around his hometown and in Europe. Having begun playing the saxophone at the age of eight, Jeremy has been zooming across the musical landscape for the last 12 years playing R&B, jazz and gospel music.  His latest CD entitled 'Movin' On' is reflective of his talented abilities and also serves as an indicator of his strong gospel roots. The album ebbs and flows with ten spirit-filled tracks offering inspirational covers and original compositions. Just as jazz is the basis for this recording, Jeremy augments his overall effort with a cornucopia of musical praise.

Although Jeremy Scott has offered up a jazz CD as a reflection of his well-rounded skills as an instrumentalist and interpreter of song, his musical style is steeped in the gospel tradition. As a smooth jazz artist, Jeremy's overall presentation does not necessarily fit the category in the purest sense of what smooth jazz should be about. Smooth jazz can best be described  as a radio friendly style invented by FM stations to cover the gamut of easy listening music. What is most often heard on the air are warm and fuzzy tracks that soothe the mind rather than stretch the intuitive imagination. If the music is too urban or does not fit a particular format, an artist may not be heard across the airwaves. In my mind, Jeremy Scott's music is off the beaten path of smooth jazz radio; however, his CD does have merit as beautifully crafted work of praise. In many ways, this recording is a testimony that takes the so-called smooth jazz phenomenon to another level.

When listening to 'Movin' On,' Jeremy's music rings loud and clear. It is obvious that he is capable of covering the musical spectrum as a jazz, R&B and instrumentalist, but he should decide where he wants to fit as a jazz or gospel musician. In the chaotic and competitive world of jazz, the most successful artists have a style and skill that sets them apart from the masses. Overall, this first commercial effort is a qualified success in my opinion; however, I find it difficult to critique this recording as a truly unique jazz album. When listening to Jeremy's music, I can truly understand why he his highly regarded as a musician; however, I look forward to the next CD with great anticipation to see a different side of Jeremy Scott 'Movin' Up' the ladder of success.



Tracks: Taste and See, Your Presence, It's My God, Inspiration, Given God the Praise, Emotions, Movin' On, He Can't, Visions, Amazing Grace

Artist's Website: http://www.jeremy-scott.com

Reviewed by: Sheldon T. Nunn

Copyright© 2005 JazzReview.com®. All Rights Reserved.