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Press
Houston-based vocalist Cindy Scott strikes gold her first time out. Major to Minor is an exceptional debut album, a happy collaboration between an exciting new singer and a cadre of superior jazz artists. This CD is somewhat of a culmination of material that Scott developed with pianist/arranger Gary Norian and other musicians at a steady gig they had at Cézanne, a noted Houston jazz club.
The function of sidemen, as I see it, is to stimulate, inspire, excite, push, drive, goad and coax their colleagues. And, boy, this band stimulates and pushes Scott. Their efforts, however, do not detract from nor intrude upon her vocals but, rather, enhance and embrace her performance. Norian stated, “We like to keep the integrity of the melody but (play) with some different harmonies and time signatures.” They succeed. Each arrangement is fresh, challenging, and most entertaining. Not many budding jazz vocalists could hope to have their first recording date backed by such talented musicians.
The programming is eclectic, ranging from Cole Porter (three tunes) to Ellington, Berlin and McHugh. Thankfully there are no originals, which in many cases can be uninspired. Things start off hot with some dazzling virtuosic scatting by Scott, working in unison with Woody Witt’s tenor sax on the Ellington composition “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.” Scott next lends her sunny timbre to the well-known ballad “What’ll I Do,” thankfully including the beautiful verse. Trumpeter Dennis Dotson takes a splendid chorus on this Irving Berlin evergreen (some of you may recall Dotson from the Woody Herman band).
If I were to pick a favorite tune from this disc, it might be “Get Out of Town.” Although Cole Porter wrote this tune in 4/4 time, Scott performs it in 6/8, which adds freshness to a well-worn standard. It starts out with voice and drums and gradually builds until Dotson enters on trumpet. “Nature Boy” may not be the best composition, but Scott’s version adds luster to a rather uninspired melody. This “Nature Boy” is not just a “strange, enchanted boy”--he is a funky cat. The song builds in intensity and includes some tour de force drumming by Chuck Payne. Cindy Scott plays with time beautifully on this number.
Most singers perform the lesser-known Jimmy McHugh song “I Just Found Out About Love” as a jump tune, but Scott and the band decided to record it as a slow waltz. It works splendidly at this tempo and time signature. On “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye,” Scott shows that she can also break your heart with a slow ballad. Her easy, patient way with this Cole Porter classic is downright ecstatic. Kudos also to pianist Norian’s lovely counter melody on this cut.
Although this is Cindy Scott’s first recording, it will certainly not be her last. For she is not only an exceptional new jazz-oriented singer, she is accessible to a wide spectrum of listeners. You don’t need a degree in music to understand her singing; all you need is ears. The disc will appeal to fans who appreciate impeccable intonation, an immaculate sense of timing, and emotional interpretations of song lyrics. Scott is a musical artist who delivers fables and stories and vignettes of life and love. But the young lady can also swing you into bad health.
Highly recommended.
For details on Cindy Scott, visit www.cindyscott.us
- Roger Crane
Although the history of jazz is reflective of all the legendary figures we have come to know musically, the future of America's music as we know it today is in the here and now. In reflecting upon the legacy left by the many voices of days gone by, we see an ever-evolving cornucopia of musicians and vocalists following in their footsteps. One such individual who is definitely making a stand on the future of jazz is Cindy Scott. By the standards set by vocalists who preceded her, this lady is truly sensational, and is well beyond the greatest of expectations.
With a style that is quite compelling and uniquely qualified to be an excellent demonstration of vocalese, Cindy Scott hits the ground running with 'Major to Minor,' her debut release on the Catahoula Record Label. Driven by the influences of Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, Irving Berlin and others, Cindy Scott's music is a vocal activated sound energy ray. She has the uncanny ability to mesmerize listeners with titillating displays of vocal timing and captivating nuances. Cindy utilizes her skills in a manner that clearly allows for total immersion in her music. From one track to the other, the ebb and flow of vocal jazz is clear and precise. She also has an excellent cadre of musicians to draw upon. Through 12-songs, 'Major to Minor' gradually becomes a heightened sensual listening experience. The CD is upbeat, subtle and rhythmically enticing, as it blows you away with varying displays of scatting and instrumental expertise.
This is Cindy Scott's giant step forward. The natural course of events has led to the recording of 'Major to Minor.' Professionally speaking, Cindy has a career that has included stints in Europe, master classes with notable singers such as Roseanna Vitro, Nancy King and Kevin Mahogany. She is a highly sought after singer as well, since returning to the US from Europe. Cindy Scott currently resides in Houston, Texas, where she is in great demand in the local jazz arena. Anyone experiencing the talent of this lady for the very first time or many different times, will want to experience her talent on a continual basis.
- Sheldon T. Nunn
Born into a musical family, Cindy Scott discovered jazz in the cellars of Germany’s Black Forest region. There, as an exchange student, she left a permanent mark with musicians like Thomas Gunther, (now pianist for the Chicago Jazz Ensemble). “Her timing and phrasing was that of an old, experienced jazz singer, very uncommon for someone only 21 years old – charming stage presence, her wonderful voice, and her powerful interpretations of jazz standards.” Upon returning to the States, she continued singing in a big band and performing at jazz venues around town. Her debut CD, Major to Minor, is a sterling example of a warm, sensitive vocal quality, packed with the ability to perform everything from fast scat to a sweet ballad with confidence and accuracy. This reviewer’s favorites include “It Don’t Mean a Thing” (pure dynamite) “Nature Boy” “It Might as Well Be Spring” and Slow boat to China”. Her voice and style are unmistakably laced with inspiration from Sarah Vaughn, Karrin Allyson and even Ricki Lee Jones.
The intensity with which she feels the music comes right through the speakers to be embraced by the listener. This is an excellent collection of jazz favorites done remarkable well.
- RAL
Discography
“Major to Minor”
Catahoula Records (self-released)
“A record which should make anyone take notice. Congratulations.”
--Roseanna Vitro, veteran recording artist and jazz vocalist
“Vocalist Cindy Scott strikes gold her first time out. Scott is a musical artist who delivers fables and stories and vignettes of life and love. But the young lady can also swing you into bad health. Highly recommended.”
--As reviewed by Roger Crane, AllAboutJazz.com
“Beautiful pitch, great time (which I believe is almost everything) nice players & arrangements too -very good!!! Hard to believe you've not been 'at it' for very long, you also sound so natural, great voice!”
--Karrin Allyson, Concord Jazz recording artist and grammy nominee
"If you dig poignant melody beautifully expressed, "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" is alone worth the price of admission."
--Frank Dorritie, two-time grammy winning producer
“The arrangements and execution are superb, as are Scott's vocals. Scott has the potential to go from the minors to the major league.”
--As reviewed by Timothy J. O'Brien, Houston Press
“She has the uncanny ability to mesmerize listeners with titillating displays of vocal timing and captivating nuances. Cindy utilizes her skills in a manner that clearly allows for total immersion in her music. From one track to the other, the ebb and flow of vocal jazz is clear and precise.”
--As reviewed by Sheldon T. Nunn, JazzReview.com
“I really appreciate how rarely you get a real jazz singer these days. I’m gonna keep playing this CD. If you like jazz, this album is the real thing.”
--Clif Smith, Musicologist and DJ, KPFT Pacifica Radio, Houston, Texas
"Her debut CD Major to Minor is a sterling example of a warm, sensitive vocal quality, packed with the ability to perform everything from fast scat to a sweet ballad with confidence and accuracy. The intensity with which she feels the music comes right through the speakers to be embraced by the listener. This is an excellent collection of jazz favorites done remarkably well."
--As reviewed by Robert A. Lindquist, Singer Magazine
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Bio
SUMMARY BIO
In January, 2005, Cindy Scott, a part-time singer with a successful corporate career, left Texas and her day job and committed to music full-time. Returning to her Louisiana roots, she accepted a full graduate assistantship in Jazz Studies at the University of New Orleans. Eight months later, Scott, husband Bill, and their dog Kitty evacuated the day before Hurricane Katrina destroyed their one-story apartment. After a lengthy departure, they decided to return to New Orleans to participate in the city’s renaissance. Scott completed her degree in May 2007 and continues performing and teaching in the area and elsewhere.
EXTENDED BIO
Cindy Scott has a warm, sexy tone with clear presentation of lyrics and attention to melody. In her singing can be heard the influences of well-known jazz artists Sarah Vaughn and Karrin Allyson, with a touch of Ricki Lee Jones mixed in. She either swings hard or floats dreamily, depending on the song. Scott's passion for jazz comes out in her delivery and endears her to her listeners.
Scott was born into a family of musicians. She studied classical flute and attended Louisiana State University on a music scholarship. Then, as an exchange student in Germany, she discovered jazz. While studying abroad, Scott began singing with a German trio in the jazz cellars of the Black Forest. German native Thomas Gunther, now pianist for the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, remembers working with Scott fondly. "Her timing and phrasing was that of an old, experienced jazz singer, very uncommon for someone only 21 years old."
After returning to the US, Scott continued singing. She sang with the Louisiana State University big band and also performed at jazz venues around town. She eventually attended the University of South Carolina and performed with their big band at the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague, Netherlands.
Scott moved to Houston in 1995 and quickly became an active part of the jazz scene there, playing frequently at all the top venues. Scott also worked to foster a growth environment for Houston's vocal jazz community. She organized master classes with national artists, including Roseanna Vitro, Nancy King and Kevin Mahogany. Cindy established and hosted Jazz Vocal Thursday at the renowned club Cézanne. For two years, this weekly event showcased guest vocalists performing a set with Scott's phenomenal band.
In January, 2005, Scott returned to South Louisiana to accept a full Graduate Assistantship in Jazz Studies at the University of New Orleans. After a four-month forced departure due to Hurricane Katrina, Scott has recently returned to New Orleans to be an active participant in the city’s renaissance. She plans to continue performing, studying and teaching in the area and elsewhere.
Cindy’s first CD, “Major to Minor,” has been well received among critics and fans alike and is currently being distributed in the US and Japan.
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