Dorothy Scott: Press

Restless Machinery Top selling album for the week ending April 21st, 2002 at Rebel Rebel, New York

Dorothy Scott's diverse proto-folk might echo such seemingly incompatible artists as Kate Bush, Ani DiFranco, and Richard Thompson, but the New York-based singer-songwriter wisely chooses to avoid living in those shadows. Her complex harmonies and aggressively fluid guitar highlight 2003's Restless Machinery, demonstrating a thouroughly modern depth and expansivieness that many of her acoustic-based peers fail to provide. Live, Scott goes it alone, but she still manages to provide a riveting, expressive show.

Rating : 9 out of 10

This review is actually based on the original 6 track EP, that was not, as far as I know released , but which subsequently morphed into a full album. So while I haven't heard the final 11 track album in it's entirety, I have no qualms recommending it, based on the 6 tracks listened to.

This album has an especially significant meaning to me, as it was the first thing I listened to after my son was born. I can remember driving back from the hospital and popping this CD into the car stereo and just being swept away by Dorothy's amazing voice. "Alma's Song" was the first track to greet me and is probably my favorite on the album. It still reminds me of that car journey home. It has all the hallmarks of a timeless classic. The melody is simple, the words are heartfelt. The words and music are just magical. There's a very ethereal quality to the track, which just adds to the whole experience.

"Peace Within" is more in keeping with the rest of the album, with an interesting mix of influences, from folk and blues, to Soul with a hint of reggae. It was when I got to "Waterboy", that I was suddenly reminded of an artist, I hadn't thought about in many years, Jennifer Warnes. The similarity isn't striking, more subtle. This track is also somewhat of the odd one out, as it's the only one not to break the 5 minute mark, managing to last a paltry, ha, three minutes, 14 seconds.

"Pass It On" the title track provides a wonderful stage for Dorothy's voice and indeed further shows the accompaniment to be absolutely first class. "Heartbeat", musically reminds me a bit of the Scottish band Finniston, with it's primarily acoustic guitar sound. It's a rambling , slow paced track that leads nicely into the final track "Ride These Waves", a beautiful track to end an amazing album.

Conclusion : An incredible album, from a lady who I'm absolutely delighted to have found. Female vocalists have a special place in my musical psyche, with Dorothy Scott filling one of the very top positions.

... feather-light melodies and insinuating hooks...
her songs are as intellectually stimulating as they
are emotionally empathetic.

Dorothy Scott one of those voices that when you hear her, depending on if you're familiar with her sound, you either say, "oh it's obviously Dorothy Scott" or "Wow, who is this?". By that I mean you probably won't mistake her for anyone else. It's quite unique. That being said there are times when she reminds me of Heather Nova. It's not often or even obvious, but after listening to the first track "Julie" I found that I had Nova's "Winterblue" song in my head.

It's so nice to hear something unexpected. From the cover of the CD I expected slightly jazzy, sophisticated (maybe a little uppity) AAA. But when I got instead is indescribable pop, rock, folk, combo with a jazzy feel. Not uppity at all, but still sophisticated in that it's well written and expertly performed.

Give this one a listen, you won't regret it.

Stand out songs: "Restless Machinery", "Ritual"

Posted on March 23, 2005

"She treats and mistreats her guitar until it suits her passionate vocals, she is undoubtedly something very special."

Dorothy's soft, haunting bellows at once startle and soothe, serving to animate her spacious expressions.