Christian Scott - The Eraser (Live at HSBC Jazz Festival)

The talent and potential of the young New Orleans jazz trumpeter Christian Scott is, quite simply put, immeasurable. Although it’s been said a thousand times before (perhaps literally), his recording Rewind That is one of the strongest neo-fusion LP’s dropped in the last ten years and one of the reasons why I’m a fervent proponent for modern/fusion jazz. It also doesn’t hurt that he collaborated with drumming prodigy Thomas Pridgen (look him up).  

The 27-year old musician has all but hit his stride on his latest record, Yesterday You Said Tomorrow, forging a sound that, while harkening back to predecessors like Miles and Coltrane, simultaneously breaks new ground. This is most apparent in his rendition of Thom Yorke’s “The Eraser”; a demonstration of Scott’s acknowledgment and emphasis on the importance of feel in jazz, not just brandishing your chops. Mind you, though the track can be considered a cover, Scott breathes new life into the Radiohead frontman’s work by rendering some of Yorke’s cold electronic glitches into warm, heartfelt tones. Markedly so in the explosive crescendo, a very welcomed edit of the original in my eyes. 

Also, for Scott, style is not limited to the impressive music he writes, as he has been recognized for his keen eye in dress. Oftentimes the artist is seen sporting various Dior Homme pieces as well as harem style pants and his signature Comme Des Garçons drop crotch jeans during press events and performances. To me, Scott embodies the role of the consummate modern-day jazz great with his timeless music and sharp sartorial sense and he will continue to be talked about in more ways than one throughout his career.