For those unaware, an iconoclastic entertainer, the incomparable renegade pianist Dred Scott is known for his playful and stylistically diverse repertoire and penchant for covering pop tunes.

Since coming to NYC from the Bay Area, Dred has gained a reputation on both coasts as an innovative and eclectic pianist and multi-instrumentalist.

In the 90’s Dred co-founded the ground-breaking hip-hop jazz group Alphabet Soup with Kenny Brooks and Jay Lane, turning the San Fran jazz scene on its head with their full-throttle performances.

Upon moving to NYC, the Dred Scott Trio wowed crowds at his almost decade-long, late-night residency at Rockwood Music Hall, where his original compositions earned a reputation for cheeky playfulness, using “an irreverent veneer to disguise old-fashioned jazz scholarship.” (EMUSIC)

Dred has been based in NYC for 23 years and is currently cobbling back together the remnants of his pre-Covid musical life. Dred was the house pianist at Del Posto for 8 years until a combination of Mario indiscretions and Covid closed them down.

His last release, The Pacific Jazz Group, on Ropeadope Records hit the streets in June of 2023 and his brand new album, Cali Mambo, inspired by the George Shearting/Cal Tjader collaborations of the 1950’s, is out now, also via Ropeadope.

1. Cali Mambo (4:37)
2. Star Eyes (6:33)
3. Poinciana (5:46)
4. La Enganadora (3:58)
5. Danza Cubano (3:34)
6. Guachi Guaro (4:43)
7. You and the Night and the Music (4:22)
8. Lulu (4:50)
9. Manteca (4:46)

This stupendously pleasing new recording opens on the joyful vibrancy of the titular Cali Mambo and then brings us the luxuriantly free flowing Star Eyes, the subtle dance floor swirls and twirls of the traditional Poinciana, and then we get the slightly more strident, measured La Enganadora.

Along next is the decadent Danza Cubano and the veritably sparkling hipsway that flow through Guachi Guaro and they are in turn followed by the all-embracing You and the Night and the Music, the album rounding out on the sheer elegance of Lulu, closing on the perky, playful Manteca.

Musicians:
Dred Scott, piano
Tom Beckham, vibraphone
Matt Pavolka, bass
Moses Patrou, percussions

Official Website