Review from The Northern Iowan, by A. J. Cassidy
Alison Scott’s new album, “Chinese Whispers” is hard to describe. The album vacillates between blues, jazz and R&B. For Scott, the musical style is best described with one word — soul. After her live performance at the Hub on Nov. 12, it is hard to find a more apt descriptor.
Alison Scott and her guitarist, Kevin Bowe, came to Cedar Falls for the first time to partake in the Seeds of Hope fundraiser. The cold and rainy weather provided an appropriate background for the band’s warming music.
The 13-song set list consisted of eight original tracks, including seven from “Chinese Whispers,” and five cover songs, including Sonny and Cher’s “The Beat Goes On” and Carole King’s “I Feel the Earth Move.” The versatility, range and power of Scott’s voice give her a unique ability to cover a wide range of material.
Guitarist Bowe played spectacular riffs, supporting Scott without overwhelming her sound. Bowe and Scott have worked together since her first album, “Wish on the Moon,” in 2008. When asked how she met Bowe, Scott said, “He was judging a songwriting contest that I won (with her song “Saturated”), and we’ve been working together ever since.”
The saxophone, horns and drums featured on “Chinese Whispers” were not present at the concert. Scott explained the touring schedule of the band.
“We do weekends out — Thursday to Saturday. This is our Iowa weekend. When we’re back home in theatres and jazz clubs we have a sax, drummer and a second keyboard player,” she said.
On this night, they didn’t need any of them. The duo delivered a memorable performance. With a fog machine and ambient blue background lighting, it was reminiscent of a jazz lounge in a crime drama. The low-key surroundings allowed for Scott’s voice and Bowe’s guitar to permeate the entire venue. Perhaps the biggest snub of the night was that the band didn’t play “Trains” from their new album, a wonderfully slow and soulful song fitting for the environment.
Yet, everything from the duo was delivered exceptionally well. The rhythm and pacing between the piano and guitar spoke to the wonderful chemistry between Scott and Bowe. The two played splendid tracks from “Chinese Whispers,” including “So Why” and the B-52s-esque “Smash and Grab.”
The star track of the night was “When the Needle Hits the Groove,” an upbeat song about the feeling when music strikes an internal chord. Scott’s music was in that groove all night. With the band’s talent and hard work, it shouldn’t be long before Scott and the rest of the group are on their own track to stardom.
“Kevin always jokes that we’re like a Korean grocery store — everybody helps out,” Scott said. “My parents help, my husband helps. We do what it takes.”
On this night, it just took two. For more information on Scott, her band and her music, visit www.alisonscott.com.