I first heard Christian Scott on the radio about three years ago. The track being played - from his Anthem CD - caught my attention right away: here was a new, young trumpeter playing very cool, very funky music. So when I had the opportunity to see him in Toronto as part of the IAJE Conference in January, 2008, I jumped. It was a great show - his quintet (featuring Toronto native Matt Stevens on guitar) grooved for the duration of the hour-long set.
Since the release of Anthem, the jazz world was eagerly awaiting his next CD...and with Yesterday you Said Tomorrow, he has met expectations. (But don't take my word for it - check out the reviews at allaboutjazz.com and The Washinton Post.) In this video he talks about the inspiration behind the new album:
I like that Christian is not afraid to move beyond what is traditionally "jazz". On his new album he covers a Thom Yorke (from Radiohead) song, incorporates elements from pop, hip-hop and funk, and cites Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix as influences. I also like the way Christian knows exactly what he wants: on this new album he displays his unique almost whisper-like sound while making a clear political statement, taking on a variety of thorny social issues. He says:
"I wanted to create a musical backdrop that referenced everything I liked about the music from the ‘60s...coupled with music made by people like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. There’s no better time than right now to fix all of the problems and issues that we face as individuals and as a society. The problems that some of the musicians of the ‘60s addressed still exist. They may look a little different, but they’re still around."
Whether you listen to Christian to hear an innovative new trumpet player or are looking for deeper context to your music, Christian Scott delivers. He easily moves from quiet introspection to fiery extroversion, showing off a diverse style. Check out this clip from his appearance on BBC (it's worth watching the whole thing):
There's a reason Billboard named Christian Scott one the "faces to watch."
Josh
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