Classically trained flutist Kim Scott from Birmingham, Alabama, has achieved multiple Billboard No. 1 singles, a Billboard No. 1 album, won Billboard’s Song of the Year, and was even named “Artist of the Year” by Smooth Jazz Network last year. Combining classical, jazz, R&B, Latin and pop, Kim is set to release a new album produced by Grammy winners Paul Brown and Kelvin Wooten, along with Greg Manning and Michael Broening. Her sixth album features nine songs that reflect the diversity, pride and joy of her work. Seven of the songs were co-written with Paul Brown and Kelvin Wooten, Greg Manning and Michael Broening. Kim said, “I wanted to compose an album that reflected this time and space because I'm enjoying every minute of where I am in my life. I'm truly living it up and celebrating the gift of music that I've been given, along with the opportunities that have come from it. I've had such an exciting music career that has allowed me to grow as a musician. I've been able to travel the world performing on some of the biggest stages. Sharing my music globally has allowed me to see the influence the music has on worldwide audiences. It's invigorating, inspiring, and such a blessing.” She also explained the intention of the album: “For this album, I didn't want it to sound like the music playing on jazz radio right now because I wanted it to stand out as truly something unique and special. I want my music to stop people in their tracks when it comes on and be intrigued, captivated, inspired, and willing to lean in a little more to take it all in. On 'Livin' It Up,' I took more liberty to write songs that embraced world music in terms of rhythms, vibes, and styles. On the album, you'll hear energetic and rich South African rhythms and harmonies, which is quite new for me.”. She opens with the soulful R&B of “Like Butter,” featuring saxophonist Jeff Ryan. Broening plays keyboards, alongside Freddie Fox on guitar and Mel Brown on bass. “Magic City Streets” follows, the first single, released in July 2023 and a declaration of love for her hometown. Multi-instrumentalist Shane Theriot takes care of all the instruments except flute. Keyboardist Kevin Wooten, guitarist Eric Essix and drummer James “PJ” Spraggins guest on “Alma de Lisbon,” an exotic Spanish excursion that showcases Kim’s classical training. “I wanted to write a song that captured my intrigue for the city of Lisbon and Portuguese/Spanish culture. In thinking about the beauty of Lisbon, the spirit of the music, and my experiences in Portugal, I tried to encompass that in the melody and rhythms. Kelvin (Wooten) and my amazing band helped bring that vision to life,” she said. She then covers The Police’s ‘Every Breath You Take’, one of her favourite tracks, and then Dolly Parton’s ‘I Will Always Love You’. Of her instrumental version she said: “I wanted to create a version (of the song) on ​​flute that conveyed the same purity and honesty that Whitney (Houston) showcased on her recording. For that reason, I even kept the unaccompanied intro in my version. I also wanted to keep the saxophone feature present in the recording so I invited the talented Kelley O'Neal to play the solo.” ‘Freedom’ is her recent single, influenced by South African rhythms, and the intro is sung in Swahili. A fusion of Miles David’s ‘So What’ and Herb Alpert’s ‘Rise’ make up ‘So What if I Rise?’, which I unfortunately cannot review as I did not receive it. On ‘Love Thy Neighbor’ you can hear the ethereal wind keyboard of Phil Davis (George Duke, Boney James, Norman Brown, Walter Beasley), followed by ‘You Got The Power (Ladies’ Anthem)’ on which Cameroonian rapper Naomi Achu is a guest, amidst the sound of African beatmaker VIKWYNBEAT. ‘Livin’ It Up’ really captures her personality and musical taste, she added. She is not a traditional jazz musician but started in classical, and only started with jazz in 2010. And that is how she achieved her own unique sound, which I like. And maybe you do too?
		Website Kim Scott Tracks: Like Butter Magic City Streets Alma de Lisbon Every Breath You Take Freedom I Will Always Love You So What if I Rise? Love Thy Neighbor You Got The Power (Ladies’ Anthem)