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Free Music Notes for Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Vol. 1Free Music Review: Who is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Vol. 1, Jill Scott Hit: 5 Stars
"Who is Jill Scott?" addresses the complicated and sometimes painful issues of love in the life of Jill Scott. She is an eloquent hip-hop poet, with impeccable style and form. You're immediately seduced and soothed by hypnotic rhythms and the pulsating base of her album. She uses an array of instrumentation, perfectly molded to create individual works of art with each song. A savory mix of R&B, Jazz and other flavors create a sound that pushes the limits of category. As the words flow from her mouth in constant rhythm, her sultry voice paints in the facts, emotions and at times the philosophy of love. From the outset you're bombarded with questions and statements of love. Spastic is perhaps the best word for "Jilltro," the intro to her album. But the brief moment of bad taste is quickly over and you're captivated by the cool "Do you remember." You're then given a smooth narration of a passionate love affair and a trip to the grocery store where she confronts her man's ex-girlfriend. She leaves us unsure of her feelings, but in "Gettin' in the Way" she expresses them with forcefulness and precision. The song gives us the complication of a relationship, her confusion of emotions and provocation to defend her turf. As the passion cools, you're introduced into the dawning of a new relationship in "A Long Walk," a slow and soothing ode to simply "being" in the company of the one who captivates you. In "He Loves Me" she takes passion to another level, not only passion of the body, but also that of the mind. And then in "It's Love" tries to explain it, but who can do it? "It's Love" is an irresistible jam, bringing out Jill Scott's exceptional talent for improvisation. Sensational percussion combined with brass make this five minute cut not a second too long. From ballads of romance we're taken back to an apparent painful memory of seduction, love and love lost. In "Slowly, Surely" she weaves a slow jam of pain, confusion, leading into the contrasting "One is the Magic #." This cut is an upbeat mix of R&B and Latin flavor that conveys her finally finding satisfaction in being alone and finding her own stride. She takes a quick break to address other matters in "Watching Me," where she addresses issues of government and in "Brotha." she blends traditional gospel and Jazz elements to create another contrasting yet cohesive piece. Reminiscent of early `90's R&B, "Show Me" gives her skepticism after being burned by her last relationship. After a long pause, you're hit with "Try," a distinctively hip-hop track and fitting end to an exceptional album. Having relayed her experiences through her down to earth rhythmic odes and ballads, you feel like you've spent the day with Jill and you're left with a sweet aftertaste of thought and rhythm, only wanting to do it again.
Free Music Review: Words and sounds never sounded better! Hit: 5 Stars
Jeff Townes, better known as half of the group DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, showcased his production talents on a remix of a tune done by the group almost a decade ago...remember the hit "Summertime"? A Touch Of Jazz Productions was born.Fast forward 2 the year 2000. A Touch Of Jazz is still in effect, and has expanded 2 include producers Vidal Davis, Andre Harris, Darren Henson, and Keith Pelzer. They combine 2 produce almost an entire album. The subject: Jill Scott. Talk about hitting paydirt! Even the music on the intro, or "Jilltro," is an exquisite groove. Then follows the quiet, relaxing "Do You Remember." Ms Scott's delivery of her words are simply alluring. Her spoken word is equally as strong: "Exclusively," on which she describes her "exclusive" loving with her man, followed by an encounter with a woman who recognized his scent (makes u just say "Damn!"), is a perfect interlude 2 her first single, "Gettin' In The Way." If this single is the only song u have heard by Jill, U don't have any clue of what she is capable of. The realness of "A Long Walk" (and, again, her REAL delivery) is simply incredible. And this album just keeps flowing. "I Think It's Better" is a misleading title...she is not describing a good thing getting better; no, she is trying 2 find a way 2 tell her old lover that she can't let her current interest go. And she describes that "sweet and good, good" person on the following track, "He Loves Me (Lyzel In E Flat)." U get the feeling that u have heard this song b4, but then, u realize u haven't. Even moreso, u don't care whether u have or not. The song just draws u in. The great thing about Jill Scott's debut is something that is almost extinct from the R&B divas of today: she doesn't need a load of guest appearances to make a good album (the lone guest appearance by Mos Def is on one of the hidden tracks, not on a main track). A talented songwriter, poet, spoken word artist, and singer...Jill Scott has it all. Even though she is in constant comparison with Erykah Badu, she is easily the better singer. But, both of them are refreshing 2 today's R&B, and they both had the help of some very talented production. Now, if only we could see the 2 of them do a song or 2 together... If her album is any indication, her record label, the newly formed Hidden Beach Recordings (Jill Scott is the label's 1st release), has a lot 2 offer, although this compilation will be a tough act 2 follow...VERY tough. This is one album in which ALL tracks can be enjoyed totally. If this compilation is any indication, Jill Scott has a whole lot of creativity 2 bring us. She is not 2 be denied. And with her talents, she won't be. 2 bad that she is only now coming out.
Free Music Review: A True Poetic Soul Singer! 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. Jill Scott is truly amazing. 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 or Angie Stone, but Ms. Scott truly has her own style and flava! Her intro to the album is real 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 like being forever in the film "Love Jones", it has that vibe and atmosphere. 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 remix, 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. God is Love!
Free Music Review: Who is Jill Scott? She is THE woman! Hit: 5 Stars
Oh my gosh! I don't even know where to begin on this cd here! It is fabulous. It has a bit of everything; spoken word, jazzy tunes, some go-go flavor, slow jams, some hip-hop flavor, oh, just everything. I walked into a Tower record store in early August and saw the cd sitting out. At the same time, this random song was playing. The chorus was something like, "Watchin' me, watchin' me". Then the artist mentioned something like, "that your blind baby you neglect to see/ the drugs comin' into my community/ weapons comin' into my community/ dirty cops in my community/ and you keep sayin' that I'm free/ and you keep sayin' that me I'm free/ and you keep sayin' that I'm free/ busy watchin' me/ oh"! Okay! Can you feel it? At that point I said, this is Jill Scott. I knew it in my gut. I went to the front to see what was playing, and sure enough it was the queen of spoken word and sound . . . Jill Scott. I bought it immediately and I have not been able to find anything to replace it since. I listen to it when I wake up, on my commute to work, on my lunch break, on my way home, while I surf the net, while I check my e-mails, and when I go to bed. My favorite track has got to be 'Exclusively'. When I first listened to this song in its entirety, I just knew that my ears were deceiving me. I listened to it again and read the words. She blew me out of the water. Everything on the cd, 'Show me', 'A Long Walk', 'I Think It's Better', 'He Loves Me (Lyzel In E Flat)', 'It's Love' . . . the whole damn cd is the bomb. I love Mary J. Blidge and she was the cd that stayed in the player, but I went to put Mary in the other day, and I had to take her out and put Jill back in. It is serious ladies and gentlemen. If you haven't bought the cd you must, must purchase it. Produced by A Touch Of Jazz, with DJ Jazzy Jeff Townes, the other half of the Fresh Prince himself, Will Smith, he did a fabulous job on the arrangement and production of this album. I saw her live in NY and the crowd was there for Jill. She was not the headliner, but sure enough when the show was done, most of the crowd was too! She is so earnest, real, strong, Real, down to earth, REal, grass roots, REAl, gracious, REAL! After hearing this album you will say, "Yes Jill! I want it on my rice & gravy. I want it on my biscuits, baby! I want it on my black-eye peas. I want it on my sweets, baby! Give it to me, Jill!" It is all love for Ms. Jill Scott. If you didn't know, now you know. Now, order/buy it immediately! Believe me, you will thank me later!
Free Music Review: Of Truth and Justice. Hit: 5 Stars
First of all..let me give props to a HOMETOWN GIRL!Jill Scott is proof that the world shouldn't sleep on the creativity that comes out of Philly. Much love to all "real" artists payin their dues in Philly ... hold on tight...your time will come. When we examine this thing called life, we find those things that move us to action and move us to passion. We find that these same things also offer clarity, peace, truth and a poetic wisdom. When I listen to Jill Scott, I find a few of these things and I am sure you will too - that is if you have a willing mind and a soul that yearns for the deep chocolate, caramel kissed, honey dipped reality of what this Sistah has to offer. Don't compare..just listen."It is time to stop accepting mediocrity as an artform." It is time to stop supporting performers with your hard earned dollars who make a mockery of the true and hard work of artists such as Jill Scott. I implore you, BUY BUY BUY this CD for yourself -- you deserve it. Then, buy it for your true friends, they will love you for it. If you are tired of the fodder and those who have, shall I say, dropped the ball or those who have never had it, get the CD. If you're tired of so-called female "artists" who rely on breast implants, rainbow bright weaves and tacky clothes to hide the fact that they have NO TALENT, buy the CD. If you were blessed to wake up this morning..BUY THE CD.
I refuse to say which cut is my favorite as all of the cuts touch an aspect of this soul. Let me say this, "Gettin' In The Way" is hot, but get this..it gets better than that. "A Long Walk," "One Is The Magic #," "Brotha," evoke spirits that have been crying to be heard in all of us. I could go on forever about this CD..but I won't..get it for yourself. Feel what truth in art is all about and realize that justice has been served to true lovers of artistic brilliance by Ms. Jill Scott. ONE WOMAN'S ADVICE: Get this CD and you won't have to ponder, "Who is Jill Scott?"..for if you listen to it and feel it, you will surely find out. **Let's stop accepting mediocrity as an artform...buy this CD and let your voice be heard.
More Free Music Notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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