Tom Scott
New York Connection

LA RECENSIONE

Not that I'm an avid fan of the fusion/easy listening that started to spread in the mid-70s in the States, but I happened to come across this "New York Connection" by Tom Scott (CD) and why not give it a listen and a few lines on DEB.

Tom Scott, freeing himself from ties with his historic group, the LA Express, ventures into the Big Apple, this time accompanied by Bob James (keyboards), Steve Gadd (drums), Richard Tee (keyboards). The experience and maturity gained on the beaches of California guide him in interpreting the New York atmospheres, not only those of smoky, promiscuous clubs, but also the suburbs where Black people, Puerto Ricans, and dealers populate the warm nights of the metropolis. And the fusion-style description of these evenings is just right! The tracks flow one after another, pleasing to the ear, with fun and varied rhythms alternating with down-tempo that follows the sway of that blonde who headed to the bar for a drink. Tom Scott then does not invade the field with his sax always and everywhere, but leaves the space that everyone else deserves. The rhythm section entertains and draws figures on which all the other soloists have fun varying. Thus, this record flows, which doesn't excite, doesn't bore, simply pleases and you listen to it. In 1976, many things happen in US music, this happens too, among funky, disco, west-coast, "New York Connection" fits in well indeed.

The CD print isn't excellent, but oh well. If I find the vinyl, I'll buy it.