Jim Scott is as busy as ever
Pete Seeger called him "Some kind of a magician." . He’s performed and recorded in his own bands with some of the legends of the musical craft Tony Levin and Steve Gadd. With a deep soul, authenticity, and sage wisdom he invites all to get involved with the issues he raises. He communicates this love in lyrical melodies, memorable verses, and even humorous surprises. His songs amplify voices and allow everyone to join in. We are talking here of course about Boston-based Singer-Songwriter and Composer, Jim Scott.
Scott has a knack for creating an intimate vibe within the large audience setting. WA Reviewer summed up Jim’s work as “intelligent music, that presumes his listeners will return to the song for a second and third hearing.” The trick is though, he makes the more complex harmony seem easy, and his lyrics accessible to anyone. “I want to be understood,” says Jim. “I don’t try to write inscrutable poetry where no one gets the message.” Even with his guitar skill and enchanting manner it is really the messages of the songs that are as important as the music. For many years, Jim has made it his business to create music celebrating the earth. With the Paul Winter Consort, Jim first became an activist voice for nature and the protection of the environment. A Song for the Earth, Jim’s anthem is featured on the Consort’s album live at the United Nations, “A Concert for the Earth.” He was guitarist, composer/arranger for the group for years and was the primary composer of their Missa Gaia/Earth Mass.
With degrees from Eastman School of Music and Berklee College of music, Jim often works with choirs on his compositions and arrangements, inspiring singers to new levels of expression. Jim has gone on to create an extensive body of work including PBS soundtracks, award winning choral works and 9 albums of original music. He’s taught courses at many schools and universities including such prestigious schools as Oberlin College where he was an Artist in Residence.
Yet It is Jim’s songs that remain his greatest offering. A tireless activist, Jim often lends his talents to benefit concerts for progressive causes. Jim speaks with passion on ecology, justice and peace. His lyrical poetry and stories are calls to action, full of hope and gentle wit.
His new album “Heart in Another Land” is an immersion in the Latin, Brazilian, and Caribbean rhythms that lend themselves to Jim’s classical, nylon-string guitar. The new songs also explore a bit more of a jazz sensibility. Listeners will find some poetry of depth as well as humor here, including songs that speak to the heart and the human condition.
And now it’s 2020 and Scott is as busy as ever promoting his new release, “Heart In Another Land” due out November 20th. This collection of songs coming out in a much needy time with a divided election and social unrest. Scott states, “I wanted to go in a more jazz direction, but I am hesitant to even use the word. I want it to be taken as contemporary song expressions that have my jazz sensibility, but also humor and thought about philosophical things.”
Stream his latest releases on Spotify or catch him on his Youtube Channel on the links below:
https://open.spotify.com/track/6qIAXaX5HiH4JOZJCMpqRP?si=Gm_ju1YnRMazUa8NzEgn1g
