Heaven

by

Jimmy Scott

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If you have acquired a taste for Jimmy Scott's unusual, and brilliant, singing then this is an album you can't miss. I particularly appreciate this album for it's sincere and moving gospel material. It is an album that is both spiritual and musically sophisticated... I wish I could find more like this! The thing that catches your interest is the unusual mix of material: classic gospel tunes with material of a more recent vintage, (like a Bob Dylan tune). But the quality of the album I have ended up appreciating in the end is the sensitivity of Jacky Terrasson's arrangements and Jimmy Scott's singing. They make the material their own. They also introduced me to "All My Tears" by Julie Miller, one of the most wonderful gospel songs I've ever heard. That one track is worth the price of admission alone. A small flaw is the selection of "Heaven" by the anti-religious David Byrne (of Talking Heads). The song is performed wonderfully, but the cynical lyrics are jarring next to the rest of the material. If you enjoy this, be sure to check out Jacky Terrasson's album with Cassandra Wilson which is also excellent. Thanks Mr. Terrasson & Mr. Scott and God bless you!