Album Notes

The Boston based Rusty Scott Quartet break out with their second critically acclaimed release entitled "Short Bread."

Lead by pianist Rusty Scott the band has been performing together for nearly five years honing their brand of Bebop and swing-based Jazz on the club scenes of New England and New York.

With heavy doses of piano and tenor sax "Short Bread" takes the listener on a cruise of tempos, grooves and emotions that keep your ears glued to the speakers.

"The ensemble's penchant for swing is apparent immediately on the percolating opening track "Paul's Blues"(Scott), while tenorman Tim Mayer's "Toddy for the Body" proves to be a great vehicle for his swaggering horn work."

Providing both the spark and anchor of the quartet is the rhythm section consisting of New England Conservatory and Thelonius Monk Institute alumnus, bassist Keala Kaumeheiwa and Berklee College of Music graduate, drummer Aaron Thurston.

In addition to original compositions by Scott and Mayer the album includes "wonderfully executed interpretations of Billy Strayhorn's "Bloodcount" and "Raincheck" and Johnny Griffin's "Waltz Swing." This recording of "Waltz Swing" was a last minute addition when at the end of the session for this album their was some studio time still available. Tape rolling, the band launched into an unrehearsed rendition of the Johnny Griffin classic. The freshness and spontaneity of the performance left the band no alternative but to include it as the closing piece on the album just as it had closed the session.

With a healthy respect for the traditions of Jazz influenced by the likes of Tommy Flanagan, Wynton Kelly and Red Garland, the bands "sound nods unapologetically to Bebop, it has a brightly melodic, clean-lined edge to it that's most definitely 21st century fresh."

Appealing to both the hard-core enthusiast and the novice listener, pop "Short Bread" in your CD player and you'll never want to take it out.

(Quotes from a review by Bob Young - Jazz Writer for the Boston Herald)