Scott MerrittCountry of origin:Canada Type of music generally:Folky pop/rock Status:Most recent release, Of (limited edition vinyl + CD, 2015) See also:Scott Merritt's site Comparisons:Bruce Cockburn, Bruce Springsteen Covers/own material:Own General comments:Scott Merritt is the kind of folk/pop/rock singer you don't think has really impressed you at first but later you find yourself humming his songs and his lyrics haunting you. All of his albums are good; Violet and Black in particular is a masterpiece. Scott Merritt is kind like Bruce Cockburn, but something about his songs have worn longer on me. It's strange—he starts off sounding quite derivative of other artists, but there's a haunting, catchy taste to it and soon you realize only Scott Merritt could have produced this music. (Neile) Recommended first album:Violet and Black Recordings:
Serious InterferenceRelease info:1983/reissued 1986—Duke Street—DSRBD 31017 Availability:Unknown; probably only available used in Canada Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:Scott Merritt—vocals, mandolin, guitar, piano, acoustic instrument Guest artists:David Woodhead—bass Produced by:Scott Merritt and Greg Roberts Comments:Even this early in his career Scott Merrit shows his huge skill in creating familiar yet fascinating songs that never wear out their welcome. The production here is fascinating, small sounds that add up to something that doesn't overwhelm you with its virtuosity but that sneaks into your subconscious. (Neile) Gravity is MutualRelease info:1986—Duke Street Records—DSRBD 31026 Availability:Not sure—may only be available used in Canada Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:Scott Merritt—vocals, guitar, mandolin, dulcimer Guest artists:Bob DiSalle—drums Produced by:Roma Baran Comments:This album is almost a prefect example of 80s pop/rock. You'll find the songs slipping into your mind when you don't expect them to. Again, the production is nearly perfect: subtle, not overdone, but helping make the songs so infectious. The great songwriting here approaches the brilliance of Violet and Black. (Neile) Violet and BlackRelease info:1989—Duke Street records—DSRD-31057 Availability:Not sure—may only be available used in Canada Ecto priority:Highly, highly recommended Group members:Scott Merritt Guest artists:Bob Di Salle—drums Produced by:Arthur Barrow except "Blue Field" produced by Greg Roberts Comments:This is a wonderful collection. The first time you hear it you find yourself thinking how all his influences show—then later you find this a collection you play again and again. Particularly fine is the title track, "Violet and Black," about Diane Arbus and her work. This album has worn well over the nearly 20 years it's been playing in our house. It's an unrecognized classic. (Neile) The Detour HomeRelease info:2002—MCA Records—MRCD 6403 Availability:Unknown Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:Scott Merritt—vocals, guitars, keyboards, beatbox, reed organ, wurlitzer, glockenspiel, pisno Guest artists:Peter Von Althen—drums, percussion Produced by:Scott Merritt Comments:Even 13 years on Scott Merritt shows his ability to give pop music an individual twist. This has some amazingly catchy moments, which make me glad that he's releasing music again. (Neile) OfRelease info:2015 Availability:See Scott Merritt's site Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:Scott Merritt—vocals, tenor uke, reed organ, vibraphone Guest artists:Jeff Bird—double bass, octave mandolin, psaltery Produced by:Scott Merritt Comments:Very stripped down. It starts off a little playful, with "Meteor," then goes a little more subdued with "Bragging Right" and wistful on "Everwill" and "Repo." "Willing Night" is a little mournful, while "Indispensable" is almost a dirge. It ligthens up some again with "Candletray," probably my favourite track. It ends with "Solomon," wrapping up this wry, somethat sad, but also rich and human album. (Neile) |
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