Search - Tony Scott :: African Bird: Come Back (Spirit of Charlie Parker)

A World Jazz Gumbo Worth Tasting from a True Master

06/18/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You may know Tony Scott from his early career in the 50s playing a velvety, sublimely lyrical clarinet behind Sarah Vaughan, or perhaps as the multiple-time winner of DownBeat readers' "Best Clarinest" award. Or, you may have checked out his new age/world music album "Music for Zen Meditation". In any case, I recommend this album for the following reasons: 1) The compositions are very creative and personal while remaining true to their African music inspiration. They are textural + atmospheric yet not vacuous; there's some solid instrumental work from all parties- particularly, Scott, the marimba player + the trombonist. 2) The inner peace and beauty that makes Scott so special as a player is omnipresent in the music. Once again, I assure you: this music is not dilute or 'spacey', either. The be-bopper looking for long, complex, sinewy lines from Scott will not find them but will re-discover a primordial sound that in some ways mirrors the 'bebop jungle', only without the hardness. More interestingly, this album is an homage to Charlie Parker. Not a direct or obvious one, but one that rings true at the level of spirit and heritage. Check it out!! --DG"