MARILYN SCOTT
Walking With Strangers (Prana)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Though she's been accused in some quarters of committing jazz, Marilyn Scott's voice is more perfectly suited for the kind of soul-inspired Adult Contemporary pop found on this, her seventh album. If this fits somewhere in the jazz spectrum, it's in the "smooth jazz" category, which is not surprising when you find the names of Yellowjackets Russell Ferante and Jimmy Haslip alongside producer/keyboardist George Duke in the credits. That's ground those players have long since staked out, and they occupy it with better music than most of their smooth jazz competitors.

Similarly, Scott's album is better than most of what you'll find in the style. First of all, she's capable, when the mood hits and the material permits, of taking it to a grittier, more soulful level. That may be in part because of her session work with friends like Etta James. Scott is, in fact, a favorite voice on the session scene, in addition to capturing the title of "queen of the soundtracks" from the Gavin Report for her work in films ranging from Torch Song Trilogy and Twins to the new Ben Affleck/Gwyneth Paltrow vehicle, Bounce.

Scott also differentiates herself from the Adult Contemporary mainstream by reflecting her social conscience in her music. The new album includes "No Room For Hate," a song she debuted at last year's Equality Rocks concert in Washington DC. Another track, "A Call For Peace," was a late addition to the track list in the wake of the September 11 attack.

Still, the emphasis is on her strong delivery of romantic ballads, making it a perfect choice for those bottle of wine by the fireplace nights. This one will get you and someone you love through the winter just fine.

Track List:

Loving You * I Always Think Of You * Give In * All Of The Above * Beginning With You * You Don't Know What Love Is * Walking With Strangers * Don't Let Love Get Away * Who's Looking For Me? * No Room For Hate * A Call For Peace

© 2001 - Shaun Dale