Marilyn Scott - Nightcap (2004) 320kbps

Match a classic song stylist with a deep love for jazz, blues, soul, timeless melodies and lyrics and a magical, genre-defying transcendence can't help but blossom. Over the course of seven previous recordings Marilyn Scott has established herself as one of contemporary music's premiere singer/songwriters. She's carried on a quiet but steady love affair with the great American songbook. Her rendition of "The Look Of Love", from 1998's 'Avenues of Love' earned producer George Duke a Grammy nomination for best arrangement with a vocal. Earlier recordings feature stunning versions of the classics, "The Summer Knows", "You Don't Know Me" and "You Don't Know What Love Is." Marilyn's flirtation with pop standards evolves beautifully into the musical equivalent of a life-changing romance on her second Prana Entertainment release, 'Nightcap'. The collection finds her in a swinging, blues and jazzy way, exploring in an acoustic setting "eight songs I've been holding on to in my heart." She recorded with a handful of old friends who happen to be some of Los Angeles' most acclaimed musicians and jazz performers. George Duke both produced and arranged while also adding his special blend of keyboard work. The album also features the support of Vinnie Colaiuta (Drums), Ray Fuller (Guitar), Brian Bromberg (Acoustic Bass), the Brazilian guitar work of Dori Caymmi and the legendary Dean Parks (guitar). Horn work included Brandon Fields (Sax), Dan Higgins (Flute and Sax), Rick Baptist (Trumpet) and the percussion sound of Lenny Castro. 'Nightcap' begins with a cool romantic twist on, "I Wished On A Moon." The added Brazilian guitar by Dori Caymmi creates an optimistic mood Marilyn remembers from Billy Holiday. Charlie Chaplin's "Smile", that Nat King Cole made famous, was a family favorite. The melancholy blues of "Here's That Rainy Day" is how Marilyn remembers Anita O'Day singing. It's the adoration of poetic lyrics that led to "Stardust", with an understated arrangement featuring both piano and soulful Rhodes. "Isn't This A Lovely Day" was taken from a Fred Astaire version, with a Dan Higgins flute solo and Brian Bromberg's pulsing bass. The celebration of "all that's good" in living and love continues on with "Here's To Life." Duke's arrangement brings emotional light to a stellar piece. The singer reflects poignantly on "Yesterdays", which features Ray Fuller on guitar. Finally, on the bluesy track "If It's The Last Thing I Do", Marilyn presents a vocalese that follows a gentle brass solo that makes for a fitting close to an undeniably heartfelt collection of songs." 'Nightcap' also marks a deepening creative relationship between Scott and Duke, the legendary R&B/Jazz keyboardist and producer who played pivotal roles performing, co-writing and producing individual tracks on 'Take Me With You' (1995) and 'Avenues of Love' (1997). Together they found the balance of songs and styles and Duke added new freshness to these classic arrangements. True to both of their jazz leanings, the two wrote improvisational endings both lyrical and musically to all of the songs, allowing the singer to give more of herself to these versions.