Rhoda Scott, Ladies & Gentlemen Review

by Icrom Bigrad

In Ladies & Gentlemen, Rhoda Scott and her Lady Quartet mark twenty years of musical camaraderie and creative exploration. This third album is both a celebration of their journey and an expansion of their horizons, as they invite three remarkable vocalists—David Linx, Hugh Coltman, and Emmanuel Pi Djob—to join them in a soul-stirring fusion of jazz, gospel, blues, and world music. The result is a record that brims with life, rich textures, and the kind of musical conversation only masters of the craft can achieve. These dialogues exemplify mastery in the lineage of soul jazz’s expressive interplay and storytelling, with both vocalists and instrumentalists enriching its heartfelt melodies and emotive power.

Scott’s Lady Quartet, featuring Sophie Alour on tenor saxophone, Lisa Cat-Berro on alto saxophone, and Julie Saury on drums, continues to demonstrate the intuitive interplay that has defined their sound since their inception in 2004. With Scott anchoring the ensemble on the Hammond organ, the group works together on each track, creating a soulful and melodically engaging soundscape.  

“MD Blues” opens the album with a soulful shuffle groove that pays homage to the Hammond organ’s storied legacy. Scott’s solo, bursting with bluesy passion, develops in expressive riffs, while Alour and Cat-Berro deliver the melody with exceptional phrasing.

“Childhood” introduces vocalist David Linx, whose expressive vocals glide effortlessly over the dreamy slow-medium groove of Scott’s organ underpins the track, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. The emotional melody, first articulated by Cat-Berro, leads to Linx singing the tune. Linx’s use of dynamics and glissandos captivates, and his scatting feels as natural and instrument-like as the saxophone solos that follow.

On “Stardust,” Hugh Coltman’s emotive voice intertwines with Scott’s lyrical organ playing to deliver a poignant ballad. Their chemistry makes this a heartfelt version of this standard. Scott’s solo mirrors Coltman’s phrasing, as though she’s singing through the keys, adding layers of depth to this timeless jazz ballad.

“Lady” exemplifies the album’s Afro-Caribbean influences. Emmanuel Pi Djob’s commanding vocals and rhythmic guitar bring a vibrant energy that complements the quartet’s soulful ensemble work. The call-and-response exchanges between Pi Djob and the saxophones add dynamism, building to a rousing climax that feels like a celebration of musical unity.

Throughout Ladies & Gentlemen, Scott and her ensemble artfully blend genres and traditions. “A Lady Called Mother” and “Within My Song” highlight the gospel roots that underpin Scott’s musical identity, while pieces like “Dreamers” showcase the group’s ability to explore jazz improvisation with a contemporary feel. The addition of male vocalists enriches the album’s emotional palette, emphasizing themes of parity and collaboration. The inclusion of African influences, particularly in tracks featuring Pi Djob, adds a global resonance that broadens the album’s scope.

In conclusion, the ensemble’s chemistry and Scott’s soulful organ playing create a work that will engage you with a presentation rooted in the lyricism of the soul jazz tradition. With Ladies & Gentlemen, Rhoda Scott and her Lady Quartet deliver an album reflecting Scott’s ability to meld genres, foster collaboration, and imbue every note with heartfelt soulful emotion.