Accessibility Tools

   logo wave 680

listen live

social rssicon youtubeicon facebookicon twitter

wave smoothest groove

Shine!

In a music genre dominated by smooth and sophisticated saxophonists, top tier trumpeters, playful pianists, and guitar gurus, I could be excused for getting excited when some of the finest flutists roll out something new, and airy. Afterall, there are very few of such musicians in the grand scheme of contemporary jazz, and one in particular has caught the ear and attention of so many of us in such a short amount of time.

Kim Scott, the Alabama based flutist ( or 'flautist' if you prefer!), composer and singer has become a top talent in smooth music with her infectious and flawless melodies and fresh and hip urban sound, and she reinforces that on her latest full project unleashed here in 2022, titled Shine! on Innervision Records. It's been 11 years since her debut breakthrough Crossing Over, and Scott's fifth album follows up her previous smash album Free To Be. Scott throws down incredible 10 songs on this new offering, working with amazing talent that includes Blake Aaron, Adam Hawley, Greg Manning, Justin Young, Jonathan Butler and several others either as co-writers, co-performers, or in some cases both. 

Shine! is a superb collection of stylish tracks where  yet again Scott's outstanding flute talents are richly flowing and tight to the tempo and rhythm of numerous upbeat gems. Back Together Again, performed and written with Greg Manning, couldn't have been more metaphorical, bouncy, funky and sweet as the lead off single some 12 months prior to the release of the full album in February of this year.  With the full release of the album comes more of the same signature sound that Scott has earned her reputation on. Poolside, co-written with long time collaborator Kevin Whooten, is another snappy and delightfully happy melody with Scott's flute taking the mainstage of this smoothly arranged track.  As one who is always drawn to the title track of an album, should there be one, I am always curious as to how it speaks to, or embodies the philosophy of the entire project since it bears the namesake of the release.  No disappointment or disconnect here. Shine!, co-written by  Adam Hawley and featuring the dazzling guitar work of Blake Aaron, is a feel good favourite on the album, uptempo with playful melodies, yet comforting and sweetly soothing. 

Off The Top is fast paced funk and musical fun, and for a real treat, Scott is joined by fellow female flutists Althea Rene and Ragan Whiteside for an all girls jam of the
Ashford and Simpson classic, made famous by Chaka Khan, I'm Every Woman, complete with some choral vocals provided by Scott herself. While I have always been enthralled with her immense instrumental talents, I've also come to love Kim Scott as a vocalist from previous releases like It's Your Time and Sweet Obsession from earlier albums. So needless to say I was delighted that she offers a full vocal performance on Something Better, a punchy and positive reminder of keeping your expectations high, and  co-written with saxophonist Justin Young. 

Scott has quickly become a highly sought after talent both in the studio, and on stages where she has either headlined her own performances or shared the spotlight with many of her top-name contemporaries at reputable festivals. As I listened enthusiastically to her new and long awaited releases I realized this fresh, flutely and funky offering is another shining example of just why she is.

Reviewed by Stu Berketo

Wave On-air Host

Community Events view all...

No events

Latest Facebook

Recently Played view all...

This Week's Poll

WOULD YOU RATHER STAY IN OR GO OUT FOR VALENTINES DAY?

Wave VIP Club

The Weather Network