When I first heard Jill Scott's voice on
the song 'Dreamin '
(featured on the 'In too Deep '
soundtrack) I told myself WOW she is definitely someone to look out for because
you just knew she
is something truly special. After more than the better part of a year later she drops her debut
set 'Who is Jill Scott?
' Words
and Sounds Vol.1 (on Hidden
Beach/Epic).
This soulful lass from Philly
is the Aretha Franklin of our new era. She wrote all the tracks, sung all the
songs and had a hand in producing a few to boot. This lady is truly a talent in every sense of
the word who got her big break when The Roots
heard her sing a few years back.
This debut CD is superbly produced by Jeff
Townes (the other half of the group
Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince) and up and coming young guns Vidal
Davis and Andre
Harris. Her vocals has such an infectious appeal
to you that
you are mesmorized by it's sheer beauty and just have to rewind the song to make sure you don't miss a note. To me every song
is a bonafided hit from start to finish which makes it very hard to pick a favorite out of
the lot.
The 1st single 'Love
Rain ' is poetry in motion literally
as her vibe and flow carries the song effortly and you are treated to a brilliant remix
featuring Mos Def on
the 12" (take note DJ's - be on the look out) 'Brotha
'
gets the jazzy late night treatment and 'Getting in the
way '.... simply doesn't it opens
your mind for what's in store you're in for next.
With 16 songs total (yes songs not
interludes) you most definitely get your money's worth. Other notables include the
hidden track 'Try ',
'Slowly Surely
', 'Show me
', 'It's
Love ', 'Honey
Molasses ', Exclusively
' and 'A Long Walk'. A
TY-D Pick that you must
have if you are a true soul fan.
TD
