Canadian jazz guitarist
Andrew Scott's third CD for Sackville delves into a number of works based upon chord changes to standards in this 2008 session, performing with pianist
Mark Eisenman, bassist
Pat Collins, and drummer
Joel Haynes, plus guests
Jon-Erik Kellso and
Dan Block (tenor sax and clarinet). The infectious opener is his gently swinging setting of
Ben Webster's "Did You Call Her Today," highlighted by
Kellso's sassy muted horn,
Block's robust tenor and the leader's deliberate yet intricate solo.
Scott's tantalizing setting of
Fats Navarro's "Nostalgia" revives a minor bop classic that has far too long laid in obscurity, while his loping treatment of
Charlie Parker's "Quasimodo" and snappy take of
Barney Kessel's "Vicky's Dream" (featuring
Block on clarinet) are among the highlights.
Scott's own "Contrafact," based upon the changes to "(Back Home Again In) Indiana," is a subtle swinger featuring
Block's playful clarinet and a spacious solo by the leader. Like many Canadian jazz artists,
Andrew Scott deserves wider critical attention.