Jill Scott
Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1
Hidden Beach/Epic
Not since Lauryn Hill burst on the musical landscape has a singer caused such a deserving commotion. Before going solo, Jill Scott wrote songs for others, notably the Roots with Erykah Badu’s "You Got Me." Here she taps into DJ "Jazzy Jeff" Townes’ deft production skills, but it’s her honey-sweet vocals—which evoke Badu and Anita Baker—that make this CD so inviting and enjoyable. Her genius for interpretation resonates throughout the 18 gut-wrenching, provocative originals, which eschew the formulaic, trifling lyrics so prevalent in modern R&B. "Getting in the Way" explores jealousy and obsession; "Exclusively" is clever and humorous; the gripping, "Do You Remember" features Scott’s soaring vocals; "A Long Walk" is a playful romp. On the thought-provoking "Brotha," Scott shows she’s a sista with a conscience, too. One of the most soulful and gifted singers you’ll come across this year.
