JIMMY SCOTT
Milestone Profile
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Jimmy Scott is widely known as the singer
whose rare hormonal deficiency, Kallmann Syndrome, caused
him to remain, physically, in a pre-adolescent state, creating
a permanently high-pitched voice. Few know that this is
only the beginning of his trials and tribulations. Scott
recorded with Lionel Hampton in 1950, then worked with Charlie
Parker and other jazz greats. His name seldom appeared on
the recordings, though, and things got worse when Scott
signed with Savoy Records’ Herman Lubinsky. Lubinsky
kept Scott in obscurity, invoking contractual obligations
to prevent a couple of excellent Scott recordings, including
the Ray Charles produced Falling In Love is Wonderful
and the Joel Dorn-produced The Source, from
being sold.
Scott returned to his native Cleveland and
took a succession of menial jobs: waiter at Bob’s
Big Boy restaurant, dishwasher, and hotel elevator operator
while also playing gigs at small local jazz clubs. His break,
at the age of 60, came when he sang at friend Doc Pomus’
funeral, with many record company big wigs in attendance.
He also was featured in David Lynch’s Twin Peaks
television program and subsequent film Fire: Walk
With Me. That began a renaissance, as Scott’s
1992 recording All the Way received a Grammy nomination.
He recorded a series of sessions for Milestone in 2000 and
2001 which resulted in the release of four well-received
albums for the label. It is from these that the material
on Milestone Profiles is drawn.
The selection of material here is all stellar,
concentrating largely on classic balladry. Scott’s
voice, though often feminine to the untrained ear, is completely
unique, largely due to his affliction. But the feeling he
puts into each song, as well as his wonderful sense of phrasing
and his timing, make it clear that his artistry is beyond
dispute and is all his own doing. His work on such classic
songs as “Smile,” “Moonglow,” “Mood
Indigo,” “You Don’t Know What Love Is,”
“Strange Fruit,” and “How Long Has This
Been Going On?” is beautiful and transcendent.
Scott is joined by a stunning array of talented
musicians on these tracks, making it clear just how revered
a vocalist he is. Those accompanying Scott include Hank
Crawford, Cyrus Chestnut, George Mraz, Grady Tate, Eric
Alexander, Joe Beck, Gregoire Maret, Renee Rosnes, Wynton
Marsalis, David “Fathead” Newman, and yes, even
a few more.
For those unfamiliar with Scott, this collection
provides a really nice introduction to his unique talent.
Scott definitely deserved better than he got for most of
his musical career—thanks to the Milestone label,
he’s had the opportunity to log some great recordings
in the twilight of his life that will forever earn him a
place among jazz vocalists.
