Collecting Things
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
The guitarist and composer Mike Scott aligns himself with Joe Bagg, Darek Oles and Jake Reed here, where the quartet flesh out these 10 agile and cozy jazz tunes that embrace Scott’s classical training and keen sense of songwriting prowess.
“Sol Minor Prelude” starts the listen with intricate and warm nylon string classical guitar acrobatics, which flows into “Sol Minor”, where keys from Bagg and frisky drums from Reed radiate much beauty in the waltz setting.
Close to the middle, “Jack’s Dilemma” shimmers with a reflective, bluesy quality as Bagg’s spirited organ makes an impression, while “Boom Diddle It” swings with playful bass plucking from Oles. “On A Clear Day”, one of the album’s best, then displays incredible dynamics between the quartet amid the timeless jazz climate.
Near the end, “Rondo” glides with a Brazilian influence as quick finger picking from Scott radiates incredible talent, and “49” exits on a duet between guitar and drums, as the two interact with both rock and jazz textures.
Scott is a veteran player in the Los Angeles jazz scene, and he turns in a first rate effort here, where swing, classical, blues and rock are all represented with much sincerity and even more precision.
Travels well with: Dan Bonsanti And The 14 Jazz Orchestra- Cartoon Bebop; Henry Robinett Quartet- Jazz Standards Volume 2: Then Again