Jill Scott - Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Vol. 1
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Free Music Notes for Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Vol. 1
Free Music Review: Ya betta chill
Hit: 5 Stars
Jill Scott may not be known by the mainstream now, but trust me, in about 10 or 20 years, it won't be strange to hear her name in the same company of Minnie Ripperton, Sarah Vaughan, or Billie Holiday. Hell, her name fits now. She can coo and hit the whistle register like Minnie and take you to church like Mahalia or reach operatic highs and lows like Sarah and Leontyne Price. Amazing she is. She has unbelievable range, but even better restraint (Hello, a call for Christina Aguilera, please). Her music does not fit into any particular box. She'll sing opera over hip hop beats and do spoken word over classical strings, it's all relative.
The intro is even interesting (when are they ever on other albums?) and the first song Do You Remember? is an instant classic. The spoken interlude, Exclusively, is absolutlely hilarious and gives personality in spades.
Most people know Jill from her debut single Gettin' In the Way, which was released in the summer of 2000. In the song, Jill confronts a woman who is all over her man and spreading lies about her around the neighborhood. Tired concept? Yes, but Jilly breathes new life into it and makes it her own. She steps up to her calmly. "Sister girl, I know you don't understand, but you gon' have to understand he's my man now." Girlfriend's not getting the hint, so Jill steps it up with, "Sugar honey girl, fly, fly away. I've been a lady up 'til now, don't know how much more I can take. Queens shouldn't swing if you know what I mean, but I'm about to take my earrings off, give me some vasoline." She had me laughing out loud with "I'm gon' take you out in the middle of the street and whoop yo' tail for all it's worth. $5.99 or something like that." GO JILL!
A Long Walk is about taking a stroll with a lover and getting to know him better. They can see a play on Saturday or listen to the Roots or cry to the blues, Jill's down for whatever. She just wants to be near her man. Such a dusky, twilight vibe on this track that I can't get enough of.
On the wintery sounding interlude I Think It's Better, Jill lets her current man down easy and sings the praises of her new man on her signature song, He Loves Me. This song cannot be described. All the words in the English language can't do it justice. From her man's cologne to his intelligence, everything about him makes Jill feel loved from her "hair follicles to her toe nails". Her indian cry and "raspberry" at the end of the song are cute and add even more personality.
It's Love incorporates go go beats and Jill's "candied sweets" to make a track that is out of this world. The Way is a track I can listen to over and over. Jill peppers her everyday activity throughout the verses, but sings about the way her man loves her in the chorus. It's sweet, without being syrupy or schmaltzy. Honey Molassases, while a short interlude, is haunting and enveloping. Does this girl ever have a bad track? That would be a no.
Honey leads into Love Rain and Jill's spoken word takes over. She speaks of a love that started out so strong and true, but she realizes that she has played the fool the entire time. He never truly loved her and "made a mockery of something so incredible, beautiful." After a short Roots interlude (did I mention she's even more amazing live), Slowly Surely seeps into your mind. You can hear the confusion and sadness in Jill's voice and lyrics. She doesn't know how to begin to heal from the vicious attack on her heart and wanders aimlessly. The last minute of the track is a highlight when Jill's wistful whisper slowly fades into the darkness.
The mexican carnival sounding One Is the Magic Number should be the "life song" of every person who has ever lived. No matter who is put into or taken out of her equation, Jill is still the only number, meaning she must love and care for herself before loving anybody else. Watching Me takes a break from relationship highs and woes and takes a peek at the government. Feel like you're being watched or your phone is being tapped? Jill's been there and wrote a song about it. The song starts out funny with it's over the top paranoia, but speaks truths when touching on the police and their treatment of the everyman. Defenitely a highlight.
Brotha is self explanatory. Jill gives a shout out to all her brothas and emplores them to hold on, because they are "magnificant and blessed." Black anthem at it's finest. The last track is probably the best of the entire album. Show Me is a late night ballad where Jill finds a new man, but asks him if he can be "cool with my strength" and be there for her. It's not poetic at all and is a straight forward love song. But wait, there's more.
On the hidden track Try, Jill sings about overcoming life's problems and trying to reach your dreams. The background music reminds me of Ms. Pac Man or Atari, but it's good. A more chilled out remix of Love Rain with Mos Def rounds out this classic album.
While Jill's other albums have gotten better and better, nothing can top this one.
Free Music Review: Who is Jill Scott? A Grammy Winner, A Poet and a Musician!
Hit: 5 Stars
I must say that I loved "Who Is Jill Scott? Words & Sounds Vol.1", and I cannot wait until the day I get to treasure Vol. 2 whenever it's released. I heard a little bit about her through her spoken word poetry, but it wasn't until she blew up the spot with The Roots all-time hip hop classic "You Got Me", that I truly realized the power of this poetic soul. Her album is like listening to the best in soul R&B and spoken word at the same time. It's a true musical treasure. Every lyric sounds as if it was written with the care of a poem, and Jill Scott's voice is truly mesmerizing. She truly uses her poetry writing skills in the creation of her song lyrics. People may try to compare her to Erykah Badu but Jill truly has her own style and flavor. Her Intro ("Jilltro") to the album is really cool, and simply states who she is: "A poet" who does music. She actually found her musical voices while singing a few verses of a spoken word poem to song, and she was astonished at how her singing voice affected her audience. She knew she had found a new powerful form of expression. I truly cherish every song on the album. Listening to this album is just wonderfuk and relaxing, it has that vibe and atmosphere that every CD should have. You can immerse yourself in the music and just relax and let go while being enlightened to what she is expressing through her poetic thought.
"A Long Walk" is smooth, and symbolizes the beauty of the album. "Love Rain" reminds me of the last scene of "Love Jones". She must have watched that film a few times before writing this song. She even showcases her powerful spoken words skills throughout it. "Honey Molasses" is truly sweet. The bonus track "Try" and "Love Rain" , the hidden track with mighty Mos Def is worth the album price alone. As a poet I truly admire Jill Scott's skills. To me she released the best R&B album of 2000. This album is something you will listen to years from now, and believe me it'll be a classic. Just imagine owning a copy of Billy Holiday's or Sarah Vaughan's first album. Jill Scott's Vol. 1 will be just like that years from now. It's been in my car cd changer since I bought it the first day of release, and I have no plans to replace it will something else anytime soon. If you love a true musical/artistic/poetic talent, then you'll truly adore Jill Scott. You can have the beauty, art and melodrama of a coffee house rhythm & blues singing/spoken word performance showcase all in the comfort of your home or car with this amazing album alone.
In an age where female singers are generally commodities selling a idealized image along with their craft, it is refreshing to see an artist whose talent can stand alone. When shopping her demo to the labels, Scott said that she did not include her photos because she wanted to be judged solely on her music. As a full figured woman, I'm sure she felt that she had a better shot at getting a record deal if the decision makers did not know how she looked -- despite her considerable talents.
Jill has no peer among contemporary artists. And I do not say that lightly because I appreciate Erykah, Lauren, India and all the other progressive sisters representing in the business. But Jill is unique. She's a singer and a poet who is in love with love and spreading the word that love is not dead. And she is doing it without superficial lyrics or a scantily-clad size 4 body. Her lyrics are thoughtful, playful, funny. The arrangements are spare and complement the lyrics.
She incorporates many genres on this disc, from the go-go infused "It's Love," R&B flavored "Do You Remember" and the slighty operatic "He Loves Me: Lyzel in E Flat" while maintaining a hip hop sensibility throughout. I have not had the privilege of seeing her live, but I caught her performances on Oprah and Divas 2001. On Oprah, she performed "He Loves Me" acapella and put forth such emotion that Oprah had to ask "Who inspired all that?"
Spoken word performances are interspersed throughout the disc, providing a nice bridge between selections. Overall, I thought this was an impressive debut. It has been out for more than a year and is still spawning singles. Folks are no longing asking "Who is Jill Scott?" because we know who she is -- a gem!
Thanks,
Jordan
Free Music Review: Jill Who?
Hit: 5 Stars
"Who is Jill Scott" - Hidden Beach RecordsWhere does inspiration come from? All too often, in the bottom-feeding environment of the record industry (Ref:industry rule #4,080) inspiration comes from Sound Scan and money. Money is a great benefit to hard work, so I will spare you the Bohemian drama; but it shouldn't be the sole inspiration for making records. Don't believe me? Ask Jill Scott. "Who is Jill Scott", is the debut release for an up and coming artist and upstart record label Hidden Beach Records. It is a fascinating soul wrenching document of lyrical excellence, sung and spoken. It is mired in driving beats and melodic effervescence.
This album starts with Jill's definition of her inspiration. Inspiration: comes from life, love and the pursuit of pure pleasure. And being able to sing and tell about it all is the pinnacle.
This document is an ecclesiastical journey through life and love. The first track "Do You Remember" is a classy ode to the memory of love. That memory of love manifests itself in, "Exclusively", the first spoken-word track. It is an erotic story of a beautiful love affair turned foul by the stench of a cheating lover.
The next track is a "blusey" declaration, "the boy is mine, you betta chill". "Getting in the Way", serves notice in no uncertain terms, that her love is not to be interrupted by "other woman drama". Girl you betta ease back!
To smooth out the journey, "A Long Walk", is travelin' music. Whether you're driving along the coast or strolling through the park, this mid tempo ballad is sure to keep you in rhythm with the one you love.
The ambiguous apology note that we have all received from passing love, "I Think It's Better", is a haunting melody guaranteed to touch something deep that you intended to forget. Without missing a beat, it sequences into the next track, which is probably, in this reviewer's opinion, one of the purest love ballads every written. Obviously intensely personal, "He Loves Me", is a true depiction of one who truly has been whipped by love. Only a Song from Solomon can rival this ballad's depth and truth. She continues to tell this story with a funky 4 beat, "It's Love", with its horn line, is a tribute to the funk past. With lyrics like "do you want it on your collard greens, do you want in your black eyed peas?" would make the likes of Bessie and Lady Day take notice. "The Way", is just one more of the smoothed-out tracks available for your listening pleasure. Jill is also not opposed to showing her vulnerability in love as she describes how she feels after a date with a possible future love. "Love Rain" is another glowing presentation of her spoken word prowess.
"One Is The Magic #", is an easily forgettable track. It uses a Spanish trumpet fanfare over a funky beat. But there is an appreciation for the attempt at eclecticism.
"Watching Me", is a spoken word indictment of Big Brother.
The trendy format of hidden tracks did not escape this piece. "Try" is a re-mixed adaptation of the spoken word piece, "Love Rain". It features another one of the young lions of the underground Hip Hop/Spoken Word culture, the Mighty Mos Def. His presence no less than amplifies Jill's bang onto the music scene.
Jazzy Jeff Townes and his Touch of Jazz production team produce this document. Jazz and Jill explore new frontiers in urban music and bust out of the usually ver tight formats of urban radio.
There are so many words that could be written of what this document could mean to the future of urban music. Jill's star certainly is bright. As I listened to this document for the umteenth time, I began to wonder where she could possibly go from here.
I wonder how many reviewers thought the same thing after listening to one of Stevie Wonder's albums in the seventies. I can't wait to hear what's coming...
Free Music Review: None other than Jill...
Hit: 5 Stars
Who is Jill Scott?? (11/5/00)You better have your finger poised on the back skip button when you listen to this one, because Jill Scott is going to make you go, "WHAT? Who is this Jill Scott?" The lady is a lyrical and vocal GODDESS. I know! I know! A few weeks ago, I was on this whole Amel Larrieux trip, and you couldn't tell me that there was any other new artist who came close to her unattainable standard. But, now there is! The debut artist from Michael Jordan's new record company, Hidden Beach Records, Jill Scott has quickly risen to the top of the R&B/ Soul world, with her new album, "Who is Jill Scott: words and sounds Vol.1", and has descended upon the hearts and minds of all that have listened to her. She hasn't taken over from the current leaders in this genre, but has really added her own blend of music to the already adept group of her peers. This 28-year old Philadelphia native remarks that she is not a diva. "There's enough room for us sisters on the charts and even more room for love," she says. She defines her style as sophisticated, complicated, yet, basic. She writes about life. Her most notable project to date is the writing she did for the Roots' Grammy winning cut, "You got me!" which featured Erykah Badu on the hook. (A part that Scott missed out on because the record company execs wanted an established singer.) But these stats will only serve as an o'douvre to the main dish of her personality. To really capture her essence, you must hear her music. Her molding of soul, R&B, spoken word, and jazz simply tell stories. For instance, take these telltale lyrics in the albums first single, "Getting in the way", where Jill confronts a meddling woman who wants her man. "Suga honey girl, fly, fly away! I've been a lady up till now, but I don't know how much more I can take. Queens shouldn't swing, if you know what I mean, but I'm about to take my earrings off. Give me some Vaseline." This prodigious songwriter shows her skills in every one of the 17 tracks on the album. She is obviously an advocate of ravenous pleasure in the track, "A long walk". Here she is recounting her courting with her boyfriend. She parlays, "Let's take a long walk/Around the park/After dark/Find a spot for us to spark conversation/Verbal elation/Stimulation/Share our situation, temptation, education, relaxation/Elevation/Maybe we can talk about Revelations 3:17." Ok! Ok! That's it! I'm sure you don't have to hear anymore to be interested.
Do you want to hear more about her passionate sexual innuendos, and the clever way in which she sows every word into the fabric of her songs, never making her message dirty or typical of any sexpot artist today? If you want to laugh, cry, nod your head, dance, sing, and THINK all in the space of 70 minutes, well get this album. If you need cool vibes to relax, I implore you to get it, but, if you want to use it to concentrate on studying on schoolwork, I suggest you buy Beethoven. This lady is not to be played in the background. It is hard to do it, anyway, when you hear lyrics like the ones above. She is feeding you her soul in bite-size quantities and she demands your attention. I could only tell you a bit about the woman. It is up to you to find her spirit. But, I urge you to take a map because you are going to lose yourself in utter musical bliss.
Damian Lythcott (Badass reporter and music lover!: - not in that order!)
Free Music Review: A Solid Debut.
Hit: 5 Stars
After listening to the hour-plus of her debut album, the question of "Who Is Jill Scott?" is surely answered--and then some. The North Philadelphia vocalist, poet, songwriter, and actor first became after writing the chorus for famed live Hip-Hop band The Roots' Grammy-winning biggest hit, "You Got Me" (which was performed by Erykah Badu). Poetry slams and Broadway acting had fueled her schedule prior to signing to Michael and Juanita Jordan's financed label, Hidden Beach Recordings. Jilly from Philly had already recorded demos with Jazzy Jeff (the character "Jazz" from the Fresh Prince Of Bel Air, as well as Will Smith's old DJ) who had formed A Touch Of Jazz-a production and musician crew who was ready to bring the World an array of talent and innovation. After penning a contract with the aforementioned imprint, Ms. Scott recorded and released her debut (produced almost fully by the crew) to a first few months of obscurity. But the eventual outcome would be one of praise and talk of the time.
From beginning to end, Scott invites you into her musical home, seats you in a comfy chair, and gets you a nice beverage.. all with her words! The reminiscent "Do You Remember?" recalls an urban, Afrocentric youth growing up, as she sings about memories of her friend and his "Converse sneaks" (tennis shoes). So mystical she is, that you wonder if this is really what the song is about, or if it's, as the liner notes indicate, directed to her people in general. The eloquently described spoken word jams "Exclusively" and "Love Rain" gives one the impression that this woman must be Nina Simone meets Maya Angelou, while the soulfoodish Funk of "It's Love" makes you wanna' move around while singing along.
Although the album is chopfull of ballads (check out the sensual "The Way," as well as "I Think It's Better," and "He Loves Me (Lyzel In E. Flat)"), Jill doesn't bore you with the same material for the entire play of the album. Instead, she finds space to stick in social commentary ("Watching Me"), encouragement to Black men ("Brotha"), and even self-observation (the Latin flavored "One Is The Magic #"). The idea of a vocalist touching down on the utter seriousness of public privacy ("cameras on every floor of every store, damn, can I get that democracy and equality? You busy watching me") to the playful and imperfect humanism of wanting ebony sexual pleasure ("Honey Molasses") is unique and downright realistic-a true example of art imitating life.
The only fillers on this album are the 2-5 second spaces between each song. The bonus/hidden remix of "Love Rain" (featuring Hip-Hop extradonaire Mos Def) may be the only thing anywhere near a disappointing song. "Who Is Jill Scott," as a refreshment to music enthusiasts is not only a wonderful collection of quality (the passionate "Slowly Surely" becomes breathtaking by the last minute or so of its entirety), but also serves purpose that Rhythm and Blues music is still savable. Call her "Neo Soul," "Old folks music," or anything else you'd like, but just don't call her anything other than soulful, brutally honest, heart pouring music.
-Musicologist