PAPATAMUS REDUX

STEEPLECHASE RECORDS 31965  (RELEASED AUGUST 2024)

In his liner notes for Dave Scott’s first Steeplechase release (Song For Amy), jazz critic Mark Gardner noted “this is a group with much to say and a stimulating, unhackneyed way of saying it.” Even though only one member of that group (bassist John Hebert) appears on Scott’s newest release, Setting Standards, that statement still rings true. After recording seven sessions of his original material for Steeplechase, Scott has turned his attention to some of his favorite standards. Scott, along with pianist Jacob Sacks, bassist Hebert and drummer Russ Meissner, approach the nine familiar tunes with a sense of reverence and adventure. Scott states the melody of classics such as “I’m Old Fashioned,” “Embraceable You” and “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most” with a Milesian sense of beauty. It’s obvious he knows these tunes inside and out as he crafts intricate solos that go beyond the melody, often taking the “road less travelled.” Jacob Sacks, who has appeared on three earlier Scott CDs, takes perfectly placed harmonic, melodic and rhythmic liberties on tunes such as “The Masquerade is Over,” “Once Upon a Summertime,” and “Emily.” Hebert, who has appeared on four earlier Scott sessions, understands what Scott and Sacks need to do their magic, while creating some magical moments of his own during his solos on “Beautiful Love,” and
“You Must Believe in Spring.” Although this his first recording with Scott, Meissner’s technique is perfect for the up tempo take on “East of the Sun” as it is for the more subdued ballads. It’s obvious the band enjoyed an opportunity to give these classics the same attention and creativity they have brought to Scott’s original material. To paraphrase Gardner from his 2003 comments, this group has much to say even when playing standards and a stimulating and unhackneyed way of giving them new life. The title of this release could not say it better — Setting Standards.

BOTTOM LINE: Most jazz musicians begin their recording careers by covering standards. Not trumpeter Dave Scott, who has recorded eight CDs of his original material. On Setting Standards Scott  and his band find interesting ways to treat this set of nine standards melodically, harmonically and rhythmically — without compromising on the beauty of these timeless classics.