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eMusic Contributor

Britt Robson has written about jazz for Jazz Times, downbeat, the Washington Post and many other publications over the past 30 years. He currently writes regula...more »

10.14.09

A young New Orleans trumpeter conflates elements of rock and early hip-hop with bop improvisation�

2006 | Label: Concord Records, Inc.

Just 22, New Orleans trumpeter Scott conflates elements of rock and early hip-hop with bop improvisation. At its best, as on the splendid title track, it sounds akin to Gil Evans-era Miles Davis and then his In a Silent Way and Bitches Brew period, mixed with the warm electric keyboards of Joe Zawinul and the stark, fat-toned horn of Wayne Shorter in early Weather Report. It’s easy to understand why “Rewind That,” has been given such uneven reviews: Unlike the woven engagement of most bop ensembles, the mix seems layered and differential, with Scott’s bold, piquant trumpet tones looming over a matte of furry Fender Rhodes and fuzzy guitar lines, with crisp drum and bass riffs practically stenciling in the beats. Although Scott’s compositional skills (he finished Berklee in half the required time) can’t quite bear the burden of nine originals among the eleven tunes (a mundane “So What” is one of the covers), the results are frequently invigorating and augur well for his future.

I Fall Victim

One knows the artist is from NOLA and assumes a feel. That is not true for this record. It isn't bad, but the playing, particularly in the rhythm section, is more LA than LA if you get the drift. I had hopes for something a bit funkier. Probably my issue, not Scott's. I fall victim to assumptions and expectations.

Will sneak up on you

Orignal playing and melody bursts from these tunes--rewind it. Songs blended with solid, edgy trumpet solos from Scott mix with affirming and exciting visceral guitar, sax and drumwork. Following a too short keyboard solo in Lay In Vein the guitar picks up at the end of that song but leaves us with an unfortunate fade-out. LET IT RING! Hopefully more coming from CS with these great players sometime soon.

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Christian Scott, early maturity

BFlat

The luscious sounds Christian gets out of his horn go as champagne with the caviar of Walter Smith III's tenor. Donald Harrison's alto adds wattage. Why eMusic continues to refuse listing players is annoying.

dramoscordova

SteveWI

Hope he's working on the next album

FattCatt

Great record! Really upbeat. A nice blend of different styles to make his own sound.

Simply one of the greatest

TheCoulourBasic

Christian Scott is one of the greatest fusion trumpeter's since the one and only Miles Davis. I had the favorable oppurtunity to see this musican at Jazz Fest in New Orleans, and man I was simply amazed by the tone of this cat.

A great find

jOHnnY

Another album that makes eMusic so rewarding. Great contemporary jazz. Understated, but very lyrical playing from all members of the group. The guitar adds a lovely edgyness to a number of tracks.

great

ii-V-I

great ensemble, very funky, walter smith III is awesome!

Hip yet thoughtful

MisterP

This was reviewed in the NYTimes the same day it was available on emusic.com. He's got chops and there's a undercurrent of funkiness that makes it great for everyday listening of for that hip friday night party.