Fri 13 Feb – Christian Scott
Ad Hoc Review of Christian Scott
15 Feb 2009, 13:57 by DetroitSoulJazz

I went to see Christian Scott at Fasching, which is the premier jazz-club in Stockholm (Swed.). Since I thought it would be totally crowded I had bought tickets before, which apparently no one else does there, so I got the best place in front of the stage! It is clearly the way to do at Fasching.... Have never thought about that before!

Perhaps the most lasting experience with this band was their way to create an urgent sense of political engagement that has seldom been prominent since the heydays of civil rights activism by the many great jazz musicians of the 60s and 70s. Scott even introduced the songs and explained how they related to his political views and reflections on the state of contemporary American society. This is probably what I appreciate the most with this band, and something which will make me continue to follow what happens with this group, and particularly Mr. Scott.

The playing was also great. The band performed two sets, one of which (the audience were later told) was a rehearsal for a forthcoming concept album that is to be recorded with Rudy Van Gelder. The concept, as Scott told the club, was to be centered on the vibe from Coltrane's A Love Supreme album with influences from bands such as Radiohead. The sound was indeed something of that sort, if perhaps Radiohead was not as apparent as the former.

Some really great performances from the band were also shown this evening. The bass player (who, among others, has played with Kenny Garrett) contributed with a very stable, yet flexible and formative structure that made it possible for the band to migrate onto higher grounds. Playing, e.g., some very fast walking bass-lines and yet being able to surprise by syncopative "drop-outs" and surprising changes raised the whole bands performance. The drummer, who had a very funky and loose percussive style reminiscent of Jack DeJohnette, also stuck out as an engine of ingenuity.

Scott's trumpet playing, while certainly engaged, versatile, and "fonky,” nevertheless went somewhat monotonous after a while, but managed to retain the right "touch" during most of the show. This also holds for the guitarist and pianist who were not as prominent soloists, although as a band were very tight and really did inspire in many ways.

Talking a little with the guitarist afterwards, who is also the co-author of several of the songs, he turned out to be a humorous guy and did actually laugh together with me during the set when certain "fonky things" were going on with the other guys. Scott also entertained the audience in between the songs by telling stories and jokes, as well as explaining the idea behind the compositions and their forthcoming projects.

I highly recommend this group!

Sincerely Yours,
DetroitSoulJazz