One of the many reasons I wanted to write for Americana Roots was to spread the word on music I thought deserved more praise and recognition. There is so much great music out there that many of us unfortunately never get a chance to hear and enjoy. I recently received one of these true gems, and felt compelled to tell others right away.
Will Scott’s debut release titled “Gnawbone” will catch your attention immediately with its hard driving soulful depth. The mixture of classic rock, blues, and even folk, permeate through to deliver a tantalizing CD. Drawing from a variety of musical influences such as Junior Kimbrough, Tony Joe White, Townes Van Zandt, and Tom Petty among others, Scott has the unique ability to deliver a song vocally with the soul and passion that drives a song home. His vocal presence is astounding.
Scott additionally writes or co-writes all 12 songs on the CD along with producer Christopher “Preacher Boy” Watkins, with the exception of “Amen Corner,” which was also co-written by Christian Gibbs. Preacher Boy also fills in admirably on several other instruments throughout the record. There is a great supporting cast here as well including background vocals by Jan Bell (The Maybelles), Jolie Holland, and Samantha Parton (The Be Good Tanyas), Joe Magistro does a great job on drums, Jim Whitney provides a thundering rhythm on bass, and Harvey “Slippery” Jenkins on banjo.
The CD opens with two songs that display his close ties to the state of Indiana, where he spent his youth growing up. “Jack’s Defeat Creek” has almost a Doors feel to it, with the supporting mesmerizing keyboard of Preacher Boy. I defy you to not begin tapping your toes in rhythm immediately…and when Scott’s deep vocals kick in it truly hits you squarely. The title cut, “Gnawbone,” opens with a primal drum beat and bass, which cascades into a driving song that will keep you moving.
“Jack’s Defeat Creek takes its name from a very small town in southern Indiana,” states Scott. “It is based loosely on one of the folk legends of how the town got its name. As the story goes, the two lovers get separated by the flooded creek. I always liked old stories such as that, and decided to write a song about it.”
Scott continued to tell me about the title cut. “Gnawbone was inspired by a dream I had of my paternal grandfather in a pumpkin patch in a small town called Normal, Indiana. As the song came together, Preacher Boy and I changed the route a bit to Gnawbone. You have got to love the grit of a town called that.”
Additional highlights here include the funky “Make Her Love Me,” the melodic “Lazy Summertime” and “Louisiana Lullaby,” which allow Scott’s vocals to roll freely, “Mother May I,” where Scott conjures great memories of Stevie Ray Vaughn, and “Stain Lifter,” that certainly has the feel of Townes and Junior Kimbrough.
Scott is already busy working on a follow up to his initial release. “I just returned from a 3 week tour of the UK, including a great gig at The Glastonbury Festival. I am getting ready to leave for the west coast for a short 2 week tour, and then head back home to New York for a release event hopefully in August. I have been busy continuing to write as well as promote this release. So, all is going very well.”
It is music such as this that I truly enjoy. You can instantly hear the depth and passion within the music, plus the amazing vocals don’t hurt either. Do yourself a favor, and check Will out….and then let me know what you think. You can thank me later.
http://www.willscottmusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/willscottmusic
