Rhoda Scott – Ladies Gentlemen (ENG review)

Jazz

Rhoda Scott is undoubtedly one of the most dazzling legends of jazz. Today, she returns with an album more modern than ever, continuing her journey alongside her “Lady All Stars.” You can find my review here: Paris Move Review. This remarkable all-female ensemble showcases an array of talents: Rhoda Scott on the Hammond organ, Sophie Alour on tenor saxophone, Lisa Cat-Berro on alto saxophone, and Julie Saury on drums. Joining them are three distinguished gentlemen: Hugh Coltman (vocals), David Linx (vocals), and Emmanuel Pi Djob (vocals and guitar).

To celebrate this significant milestone—20 years of musical adventures—the musicians of the Lady Quartet have subtly reimagined their signature spirit of parity for their third opus, expanding their horizons by inviting these three exceptional male vocalists. David Linx, a faithful collaborator, brings his refined and intricate jazz sensibilities; Hugh Coltman, a masterful conveyer of emotions, delivers a spellbinding melancholy tinged with blues; while Emmanuel Pi Djob, a true force of nature, stirs the soul with his majestic voice that blends gospel, soul, and world music.

This album embraces African influences within its compositions, enriching the musical journey and imparting a global resonance that elevates the poetic essence of the work. The title track, Lady, serves as a resounding example of this creative vision.

“The story of the Lady Quartet began in July 2004,” recounts Rhoda Scott, the ensemble’s leader and vibrant soul, “when Jean-Pierre Vignola, artistic director of the Jazz à Vienne festival, invited us to rise to an extraordinary challenge: to replace the great Abbey Lincoln, who had to withdraw due to health reasons. Four musicians brought together for the first time, tasked with forging a common repertoire at lightning speed—what could have been a fleeting adventure transformed into a human and musical odyssey that, against all odds, has endured for twenty years. Renamed ‘Lady Quartet’ in 2018 by Stéphane Portet of Sunset/Sunside, our group has evolved over the years, sometimes experimenting with configurations, but never compromising the unbreakable bond or profound sorority among us. With Julie, Lisa, and Sophie, we are far more than a musical ensemble today: we are a family, a genuine tribe united by a shared passion.”

This shared repertoire is a testament to the unique journeys of each musician. Links to their individual profiles can be found at the end of the review, offering a glimpse into their distinct universes and inspirations. For Rhoda Scott, the aim is not to foreground women over men but to celebrate the wealth of talented women who now flourish in the jazz world. Scott has an extraordinary gift for discovering and fostering collaboration, resulting in compositions that traverse jazz, soul, and world music with seamless grace. From her very first album, Scott has also extended this collaboration to include remarkable male vocal talents, culminating in a body of work imbued with deep, heartfelt emotions.

This latest album undoubtedly belongs to the category of “essential” recordings. Yet, as the final notes fade, one is left with a singular urge: to simply say thank you. This listening experience stirs the heart, evokes profound emotions, and bridges memories of the past with a hopeful gaze toward the future.

Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News

PARIS-MOVE, December 13th 2024

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Here is the concert schedule (in France) for Rhoda Scott and her ensembles:

2024