Jimmy Scott - But Beautiful (2002)

On But Beautiful, whether through choice or necessity, Jimmy Scott uses his trademark vibrato sparingly. This is a good thing, since age has widened its pitch to a dangerous degree. Instead, his still distinctive voice floats over tried and true standards like "You Don't Know What Love Is," "Darn That Dream," and the title tune. What makes it all work are the singer's unshakable soul and his impeccable time. With each truncated syllable, you feel all the feelings accrued in his 76 years. Renee Rosnes's playing and arranging create the perfect modern--but not postmodern--accompaniment, allowing the singer to pause, confident that the space he leaves will be well filled but not cluttered. And as for time, Scott says it best: "The genius of jazz is how it frees time so we can forget time. Jazz lets us enjoy time." Scott's sense of time provides a master class for budding jazz singers everywhere, and enjoyment for everyone. ~ Michael Ross