Over her wildly prolific past decade as a recording artist, one of Kim Scott’s greatest gifts to smooth jazz is, along with her musical sisters Althea Rene and Ragan Whiteside, bringing the soulful and ethereal vibe of the flute back to the forefront of the genre.
On the heels of the trio’s hit disco jam re-imagining of “I’m Every Woman,” Kim’s in trademark dynamic form as the lead melodic voice elevating our spirits on SHINE!, the title track to her rhythmically and stylistically eclectic new album. The all-caps title is intentional, a way to emphasize the fact that while she wrote it during some of the most challenging days of the pandemic, she chose a mindset full of positive energy and thoughts for better, brighter days.
She channels this optimism via an easy flowing, light funk tune with an infectious, whimsical melody. Colorful improvisational moments and a caressing atmosphere riding over a spirited groove. Adding extra jazzy grit and shimmer to her magical musical narrative is guest artist Blake Aaron, whose crisp, energetic guitar makes the tune, yes, SHINE! brighter.
If you love this tune, rest assured, it’s just the promise of great things to come on the album, which features three other great genre guitarists (Jonathan Butler, Adam Hawley and Eric Essix), keyboardist Greg Manning. It’s a fanciful, eclectic collection showcasing that surreal flute vibe over a variety of moods, ranging from sizzling and funky and trippy tropical to meditative, slow burning and sensual.
Kim complements her infectious originals with imaginative twists on classics from Herbie Hancock to Kirk Franklin (which alone reminds us just how deep her musical influences go).