![]() ![]() The backup singers (aptly called “The Pipes”) had a New Edition-esque vibe with their choreographed dance routines – at one point, during It’s Love two of the singers broke into the Kid N’ Play. Obviously a major fan favorite, she sang us through the first verse and ended the song with words of wisdom for the ladies, “It’s alright to be nice and say thank you for being good to me.” From the saxophonist (who just happened to be Mike Phillips, a former label mate of Jill’s, who has released three albums of his own), to the drummer to the guitarist, trumpeter and on, it is apparent that Jill has assembled a team of outstanding, high-quality musicians who are great at showcasing the pure elements of a live show. ![]() “Ladies and gentlemen, live music in the house tonight! Is that alright?” she exclaimed before launching into The Way. Moving back and forth across the stage, she owned every inch of the space. “Let me sock it to you like a grown woman can,” said Jill, who placing much emphasis on “grown,” looked absolutely FABULOUS in what appeared to be a black skirt, decorative black and white three-quarter’s sleeved shirt and VERY high-heeled black peep-toed shoes. That was very clear during the highly-energetic opening of Gimme. All I know is that, simply put, this show was strictly for grown ass folks. Maybe turning a year older opened up some senses I never had or long forgot about. Besides being the day I was born, the energy flowing from the stage was hypnotizing and spiritual. I’ve traveled cross country (twice) to New Jersey, but last Tuesday, I felt something special in the air. ![]() From there I’ve seen her many times in Oakland, San Francisco and Concord, CA. My experience with seeing and hearing Jill live began on Jat the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, CA. And that’s saying much because I’ve been to more than 10 Jill Scott concerts. On JJill Scott showed up, showed out and gave a performance that I consider her best concert I’ve ever witnessed. Her performance at Mountain View Winery in Saratoga, CA last week just so happened to fall on the one day I consider more important than the other 364 days of the year. And that is one of the main reasons I continue to pay to see Jilly from Philly – I’m guaranteed a new and highly entertaining show no matter the city or venue. If you ever attend a Jill Scott show expecting to hear her sing songs exactly as they are on her albums, you will always be disappointed. On top of these wins she has received a countless number of nominations for her music, predominantly in the soul and R&B categories. She has achieved enormous success with her music, winning a number of highly prestigious awards including three Grammy Awards as well as several Soul Train and Lady of Soul awards. Other notable hits are ‘Golden’, ‘Calls’ and ‘Blessed’. Scott has since recorded three more studio albums to date.Ī few of Scott’s biggest singles include ‘A Long Walk’, ‘He Loves Me’ and ‘The Way’, all from her first album. ![]() Her debut album, ‘Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. It led to her being signed on to Steve McKeever's new 'Hidden Beach Recordings' label. This was the start of Scott’s rise to fame. The result was the single ‘You Got Me’, which won a Grammy award. Questlove invited her to join his band in the studio to record a track together. She achieved her breakout in to the music industry when she was discovered by Amir "Questlove" Thompson of the band the Roots. Scott fans used to the grittier instrumentation of her early records may initially blanch at Light of the Sun's polished sound, but dig deeper and you will find that Scott is continuing to record her musical and emotional development - a journey that continues to be memorable.Scott began her career in the performing arts unusually: as a spoken word artist who appeared at live poetry readings. "I'm a one-man lover, I'm not a Casanova," she sings. It is in the percussion-heavy Quick that she addresses her relationship troubles directly. While her decision to collaborate with Hamilton makes sense, Scott also mixes it up with the rapper Eve for Shame, a funky feminist anthem in which Scott declares that she is "magnificent and I'm queen of the throne". The first single, So in Love, a touching duet with fellow crooner Anthony Hamilton, is beautifully produced with a funky bass line over a crackling beat. In the opener, Blessed, Scott showcases her supple vocal phrasings as she counts her blessings over lush keyboards. All of which might appear clichéd if tackled by lesser artists, but Scott's dynamic voice is an instrument all its own with its mix of jazz with spoken-word poetry. Divorced, raising a child as a single mother and ditched by her subsequent partner, the Philadelphia neo-soul singer Jill Scott speaks of those dark times and celebrates survival in this new album. ![]()
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