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Grammy Award winning artist, Boz Scaggs, is set to release his latest
album, But Beautiful, on May 6th. An assured, logical next step
in an enduring musical career, But Beautiful signals the arrival
of an important new voice in the domain of the great American songbook.
It features Scaggs performing standards such as "Sophisticated
Lady," and "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" with
the classic jazz quartet that includes pianist and arranger Paul
Nagel and bright new star from the San Francisco jazz scene, saxophonist
Eric Crystal.
The album took root just over three years ago when Scaggs invited
the quartet to perform with him at an all-acoustic fundraising concert.
Says Scaggs, "I thought it might be interesting to rework some
of my songs with a more progressive treatment…Things opened
up so nicely in rehearsal, I suggested we do a standard. We did
the show, we liked it, the audience liked it, and that’s where
it all began." From the opening track "What’s New"
to the title track, "But Beautiful," the album showcases
Boz Scaggs’ vocal artistry. He gives an artful, insightful
performance, respectful of the songs’ stature and daring at
the same time.
But Beautiful, which will be released on Scaggs’ own Gray Cat
Records, sets a new benchmark for a career that has spanned 30 years
and many accolades. From his early days as guitarist for the Steve
Miller Band, to his most recent critically acclaimed solo album,
DIG, Scaggs has combined rock, jazz, R&B, and blues to create
a trademark sound. With this foray into jazz, Scaggs continues to
prove himself as one of music’s most creative and original
artists.
Look for Boz Scaggs to head to Japan for the first leg of his tour
in May, jazz festivals in June and July in Europe and the US and
a US tour later this summer.
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