Jazz / Vocal, Standards, Traditional Pop, Vocal Jazz
Bruce Kirby Saxophone
Charles Coleman String Arrangements
Dale Ashley Producer, A&R, Engineer
Dave Kowalski Engineer
David Gotay String Quartet
Gerry McCarthy Executive Producer, Producer, A&R
Kevin Knight Photography
Lou Reed Liner Notes, Author
Mark Kostabi Cover Painting
Matt Munisteri Guitar
Michael Kanan Piano
Pamela Fleming Trumpet
Scott Anthony Mixing, Mastering
Shannon Vavrinchik Design
Susan Aquila String Quartet
Victor Jones Drums
This 1998 album finds Jimmy Scott fearlessly reinterpreting a range of love songs that were written for or by rock acts during the last twenty years. As always, to listen Jimmy Scott sing is to let the rest of the world disappear. His choice of Elvis Costello's "Almost Blue" is a natural one. More surprising--but no less appropriate--is his take on Bryan Ferry's "Slave to Love." Though Scott recorded versions of a handful of contemporary songs on 1996's HEAVEN (the title track is a Talking Heads' song), this album is entirely devoted to exploring the interpretive possibilities in contemporary songwriting. HOLDING BACK THE YEARS features a small jazz combo and occasional strings, and sounds warm and lush throughout.
After venturing into the rock and soul catalog with renditions of Bob Dylan, Curtis Mayfield, and the Talking Heads songs, Little Jimmy Scott really digs here with a program made up almost entirely by pop hits from the last three decades. Due in part to the insight of producers Gerry McCarthy and Dale Ashley, Scott tackles contemporary material that, in its elegance, jazz overtones, and passion, is perfectly suited to his special brand of vocal savvy and knack for the great standards. Of course, he could probably cover almost any song and transform it into something unique, which is what he often does here. With his gentle pacing, vulnerable-sounding yet powerful soprano, and unerring sense of dynamics, Scott entirely refashions classics like Bryan Ferry's "Slave to Love," Elton John and Bernie Taupin's "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word," and the movie theme "The Crying Game." And while maybe not wrought anew, his versions of John Lennon's "Jealous Guy," Elvis Costello's "Almost Blue," and Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U" are still stunning. He even gives Simply Red's Mick Hucknell a few needed lessons in vocal phrasing with an in-the-pocket rendition of the title track. Better to showcase Scott's singular voice, the arrangers wisely supply him with an unobtrusive and classy backdrop punctuated with subtle, yet keen solo breaks. An amazing set by one of the best singers around. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide |
