Shades Of Love
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
Formerly a member of the much louder outfit Black Leather, these days Zoe Scott is residing in jazz territory, and here Bossa Nova ideas unfold with help from Torcuato Mariano, Paulo Calasans, Andre Vasconcelos, and Felipe Alves, plus many guests.
“Quiet Nights” starts the album with much grace as Scott’s pretty, expressive vocals steer a very romantic spirit, and “I’ll Stand By You” follows with Tim Pierce’s agile electric guitar aiding much to the very warm interpretation of the Chrissie Hynde classic.
Not far from the middle, “Wave” benefits from Daniel Jobim’s acoustic piano and soft vocals that complement Scott’s dreamy delivery, while “Baby It’s You” recruits Jesse Sadoc’s intimate flugelhorn amid the timeless jazz flavor. “Once I Loved”, the album’s standout track, then strategically used an orchestral backdrop and EWI from Steve Tavaglione to highlight the emotive and poetic mood.
Near the end, “Triste” is a swift and melodic display of mesmerizing bass lines courtesy of Felipe Melanio e Viny Melanio, and “You Know I’m No Good” exits the listen with Torcuato Mariano’s B3 drawing us immediately to the rugged and playful Amy Winehouse cover.
Inspired by the work of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Scott was seeking a way to channel her freedom, sensuality and romance by shifting her musical direction, and it’s pretty clear that she’s reaching even deeper into the soulful aspect of her craft with the aptly titled Shades Of Love.
Travels well with: Michaela Steinhauer- Changes And Choices; Jeni Slotchiver- American Heritage