Album Review: Matthew Scott Records His Show THE JESUS YEAR For All To Hear & For All Time

Heigh Ho, dear lovely rainbow tribe, welcome back to Bobby’s CD sandbox where we offer our broken-down breakdowns of new music releases. So, strap in and get ready, as Bobby goes on the record ABOUT the record.

This latest album entry in the BobbyFiles comes from Broadway veteran Matthew Scott, whose show, THE JESUS YEAR, this rainbow purveyor reviewed at 54 below back in September (Read his rainbow review HERE), a  moving performance piece that was as much theatre as it was nightclub act, and we loved it. Last month, Matthew made the story of him and his late, loving father available to all by releasing a CD - THE JESUS YEAR: A LETTER FROM MY DAD. Now, it may seem a touch redundant to review both show and CD of show, but Matthew is working in two completely different mediums - live performing and recording artistry - and Bobby has 2 completely different jobs reviewing both channels, so there is some synchronicity here. Scott is one of the bulwarks of Broadway with a bright, piercing voice that seems to have no limit to the upper register and the ability to act each musical moment like a fine Shakespearean. One of the smart things Matthew has done with the CD is to include some of his scripted talkie bits from the live show. Eight out of the 21 cuts on the album are abbreviated sections of his script, used to carry the listener along in his storytelling. The moments are not over-long, serve a purpose, and give a glimpse into the heart of this story, which is essential. The one raindrop that will fall for this rainbow, however, is on this front, since Matthew’s love language is sarcasm, and, having seen the show, we found ourselves wishing for some more of the dark, sardonic humor that gave us the giggles at 54 Below. His trip through his father’s letter to his 4 sons, the 25 Bullet points organized by category of the Do’s & Don’ts of everyday life interspersed with song, was filled with all the wry humor of real life and love. The prescience of this act of writing it all down for his boys, in case he would not be there, is a touching tribute to a father’s love. In fact, while we appreciate the scripted moments on the CD for storytelling purposes, they really made this rainbow boy wish for a live album recorded in performance, laughs and all.

That aside, some highlights are: I WENT FISHING WITH MY DAD - this William Finn song in Matthew’s voice does what they both do best, tell a heartfelt story in song. Going from a wail to a smooth-as-silk lilt, this is one powerful ballad; YOU’RE MY HOME - the paean to the Gypsy in All Our Souls, where we learn of his love affair with his wife, the 6 years of dating to get to engagement, the 1st-year troubles, and learning to grow together, wherever you're planted, and just some gorgeous singing of a gorgeous love song.  And then there is our personal fave, CALICO SKIES, an almost impossibly high number in Matthew’s impossibly high voice, and with power under complete control, he demonstrates he’s a once in a generation voice. If only you listeners could get all the laughs, sighs, and more laughs that a live audience gets from THE JESUS YEAR ( * ) … But, this version of the show still affords anyone wise enough to program it an ear (& heart) full of some fine music by a fine singer with the story realized throughout, if not served quite as deliciously as it was at 54 Below that evening in September. With all that in mind, Matthew Scott’s THE JESUS YEAR: A LETTER FROM MY DAD…

Gets 4 Out Of 5 Rainbows

Put This One In Your Spotifies: HERE

*  Great news!  Matthew Scott will perform THE JESUS YEAR at 54 Below on September 26th.  Information and reservations are HERE.

Matthew Scott does not seem to have a webbysite - at least not one Bobby can find, but he does have a profile on BROADWAY PLUS where you can engage him for nominal fees to give video shout-outs (birthdays, etc.) or get virtual acting/singing coaching from this consummate Broadway performer, and even a virtual concert should you wish, and after Wednesday night's show, Little Bobby says it would all be worth it.

To See Matthew's Broadway Plus Profile, Click: HERE

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