At Home » Los Angeles Times: Jill Scott is even better off the record
Los Angeles Times: Jill Scott is even better off the record
Ringo H.W. Chiu / For the Times
Like any good poet, Jill Scott captures the deeper meaning in everyday moments in her songwriting.
The live show exceeds the album, and the energetic singer’s playful asides exceed what can be published.
October 18, 2007
Jill Scott pauses for a moment, takes a big swig from an imaginary drink and wipes her lip with emphasis. “It’s just a metaphor for something I want more,” she confides to the packed crowd Tuesday at the House of Blues.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that she’s talking about sex. And she mentions it repeatedly throughout her highly erotic performance. Her ad libs and interludes are so risqué, they can’t be quoted in a family newspaper.
Someone in the crowd whispers that the sexual energy is the emotional byproduct of her recent divorce from Lyzel Williams, who was the subject of some of her past love songs. And the set list does reflect an aching heart: “Hate On Me,” “Celibacy Blues,” and “Crown Royal,” a trio plucked from her new album “The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3.”
Like any good poet, Scott captures the deeper meaning in everyday moments in her songwriting. She sees the pathos of kitchen sinks and collard greens. On “Epiphany,” another new one, she chants about heaving, glistening body parts and squirting massage oil to a syncopated conga drum, only to end with, “But why do I feel so empty?”
Ironically, she’s probably one of the least empty and most substantive vocalists in R&B. Her voice is a magnificent instrument of virtuosity. She transitions from different sonic textures with agility: jazz, gospel, blues, even opera. In one moment she mewls like a vulnerable kitten. Then, the emotion wells up inside of her swaying body, erupts from her mouth and soars to the rafters in a satisfying musical catharsis, a powerful antidote to the antiseptic, digitized nano-noise we’ve grown accustomed to in recent years.
Her massive band — with its brass section, drums, guitar, bass, synthesizer and trio of backup singers — follows her every lead with a sound that is lush and well-oiled. The live show is better than the album in the way the book is usually better than the movie.
The mature, 30-plus crowd eats it up with gusto. Friends and lovers sway and embrace. Some couples kiss to the slower, more romantic songs. Large swaths of the audience sing along. “Hold on, how is it the album has been out only a couple weeks, and you already know the words? Are you showing off?” teases Scott.
By 10:30 p.m., the show has erupted into a full-throttle dance party (concertgoers don’t yet know that they will have to wait more than two hours for their cars in the House of Blues valet). Everyone moves to her 2004 hit single “Golden.” She receives a bouquet of flowers and does a little beauty pageant wave. But wait, the show isn’t over.
A gentle piano solo emerges from the darkness and Scott breaks into an emotional rendition of “He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)” — the song about her ex-husband. She sings, “You tease me/you please me/you school me,” with such searing intensity, it almost seems like every glass in the venue will break. Speaking of which, did anyone ever get her that drink?
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Jill Scott is an extremely talented and beautiful African-American woman! I listen to her new CD everyday traveling back and forth to work and her performance in “Why Did I Get Married,” was awesome.I can’t wait until she comes to Chicago because I have to see the live show! Keep up the great work Jill!
Hi Jill,
I absolutely LOVE your new CD! I pre-ordered the disc from Amazon, and after seeing all of the reviews I realized that I could not wait any longer and bought it at the local store. It was SO WORTH the buy! I can honestly listen to the entire CD without skipping. Keep doing what you do! PLEASE stop through Germany, your military fans will make it worth the trip!
MAN! Went to the Wed. night concert and it was AWESOME! Could not have asked for more! I’ve seen Ms. Scott live twice and can not say that I’ve been anything but in awe either time. I went with my beau and let’s just say, the only thing left in my Crown Royal glass was melted ice and this morning, he was asking for his fish & grits!
And that MINISTRY at then end of the “show”. What a wonderful thing to see an artist and her supporting cast just grove and vibe from what was last nights’ rap session with the Creator.
Be Blessed and continue to bless!
Just wondering, did she have any opening acts at the House of Blues show(s)?
Hey Ms. Jilly
Where’s the love for the bay area? You come all the way to Cali and San Fran/ Oakland can’t get at least one show???. We love u here too!
“Why I got married” you did your thang! Job well done.
WOW!! What can I say about Jill Scott? I saw her at the House of Blues last night. This is the second time I’ve seen her live and I always leave wanting more. I didn’t realize that I had been standing up for over an hour and a half because of the incredible energy of the songstress, in contrast, the two hours I stood waiting for valet to bring my car was not cool.
I wish Jill much success and blessings. Come back to L.A. soon!!
The HOB should designate a special place for patrons who want to get “naturally” uplifted during the concert, instead of doing it in the concert hall. Just some food for thought.
i hope she releases the live album -
it’s true the studio does her little
justice compared to her live work
WOW!!! That’s all I can say after last night’s performance. I knew it wouldn’t be anything short from great…but Jill you were showing off. I found it funny you mentioned the album had only been out 3 weeks but yet many of us knew all the words. I proudly raised my hand…because I was so guilty. I have not taken your CD out of my rotation…I bought 2 actually one for my car and another for my home. I will be attending another one of your concerts as soon as it is posted. Girl you are so blessed and uplifting. All of your words couldn’t have come at a better time.
You are amazing!!!
I would have loved to be in LA last night for that show. Damn…. I must wait. Where is my glass… I just got in from seeing the film again. I must admit after I stopped focusing on Jill and her character, the others gave a great performance. Good cast.
I will looking out for show dates! Please keep me posted, I will be checking daily.
Again, thanks for the medicine Jill.
In Serena Kim’s article, she describes our Kim exceptionally, but I think she misread Ephiphany. According to Serena, ‘On “Epiphany,” another new one, she chants about heaving, glistening body parts and squirting massage oil to a syncopated conga drum, …..”’
I didn’t read into any “massage oil” or how it was directly connected to the conga drum. I think you need to be true fan to really got the whole jist of this highly erotic song that had nothing to really do with “snynthetic” oils or the conga! …..I imagine she thought “mountain peaks” and “Mt. St. Scott” are actual geopgraphc locations?!
Does any other fan agree or disagree?
Hi, Jill
Just wanted to say I love your music, just wanted to know if you will come to Memphis, TN for a concert?
I predict a Grammy for “Whenever You’re Around”. Jill and George Duke…pure power! I bought both versions of the cd and will get a few more to give as Christmas presents.
Hey Babylon Sis! It’s the Major Dude here! Good to see you on the net and on the pulse of good music! You’re amazing!
Tom
Jill,
I am still in awe of your performance last night in Greensboro, NC. You are the greatest of our time, hands down. You are so prolific and just outright bad… you talent is notable like that of Nina Simone, and Etta James. Keep doing your thang, much love.
Licia in NC