Christian Scott
Yesterday You Said Tomorrow
Concord Records
www.concordmusicgroup.com
By George W. Harris

Trumpeter/composer Christian Scott is in the beginning of a 5 year
musical journey with his band of Matthew Stevens/g, Milton Fletcher/p,
Kristopher Keith Funn/b and Jamire Williams/dr. Not content to simply
play standards or “new” jazz compositions, Scott mixes genres such as
indie rock (Coldplay’s Thom Yorke wrote “The Eraser”) along with
forward thinking-yet-traditional jazz on this stimulating and
sophisticated release. Almost all of the tracks make a political
statement, touching on topics like police injustice, but even Glen Beck
would appreciate the beauty of pieces like the “The Last Broken Heart.”
Darker and tensile moods are in abundance on the penetrating “KKPD”
which goes from yearning Harmon mutes to declaratory shouts, with the
rhythm team following along like a shadow boxer. The melancholy
“Angola…” mixes thunderous drumming with Steven’s delicate guitar while
Scott shows impressive emotional control on his trumpet. I’ve seen this
guy a few times, and always walk away impressed by his devotion to
creative music. Best outing yet.