Search - Shirley Scott :: Soul Sister

Like other discs in the Legends of Acid Jazz series, this one combines two classic LPs from the Prestige vaults. Organist Shirley Scott's two quartet sessions here are luminous, low-key affairs. First up is a 1964 session originally released under the coleadership of guitarist Kenny Burrell. A tasteful complement to Jimmy Smith on numerous outings, Burrell sounds more prominent with Scott's mellow sound. Together they build some beautifully bluesy moods, whatever the material. An 11-minute version of "They Call It Stormy Monday" is the centerpiece, served up with depth and elegance. The second session is the earlier of the two, from 1960, and it has the unusual combination of organ and vibes--a surprisingly effective blend of percussive and soft attacks that has seldom been used. The vibraphonist is Lem Winchester, a talented player who made few recordings. The ballads resonate warmly, and the group brings a lightly swinging touch to several bop classics as well as Andre Previn's definitively hip "Like Young." --Stuart Broomer