Album Review: Christian Scott - Yesterday You Said Tomorrow

Christian Scott is an old soul that puts on for his city. A native of New Orleans, this trumpeteer recalls the works of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, while marrying it with a hip hop sensibility. That's why he's quietly worked with the likes of Mos Def and DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill fame. As for this album, Yesterday You Said Today, it is one of the most politically charged albums I've listened to in a long time. For me, it's a bit strange to say that because there are no words spoken or sung at all.

If Billie Holiday was reincarnated, I believe it would be as this man's trumpet. He plays with a passion and an unyeilding strength not seen in jazz since the sixties. Also, with the passion the mirrors the late great singer's. Scott's records should serve as a clear soundtrack to the confusing times we live in today. With songs like, "The Last Broken Heart (Prop 8) and "The Roe Effect", the listener is reminded of the times in our history when being black wasn't always beautiful. And with those reminders, we are able to apply those feelings and emotions to the muddy waters of today's political landscape. Even though considered a solo project, this album is more about a group. A group of players figuring themselves out through the recording of this record and finding a cohesive sound that shows each person's personality.

Although this is one of those play-from-start-to-finish-records, the center piece is the two song set, "Jenacide" and "The American't". The drums remind you of the footsteps of the protestors during the march for the Jena Six. the snare is is the musical fist pump and chant those protestors were doing. The trumpet and guitars are of subtle outrage that shrink and swell. The feeling of "The American't" is that of sorrow and frustration. Possibly, because nothing really came of the march for the Jena six and this song is the feeling of that.

Written and composed from the depths of someone's heart and soul, this is an album worth buying. Because like Kanye West said, "You gotta love it. Somebody still speaks from his soul." And there's never been anything wrong with that.