dreadpirateroberts
Jazz heavily influenced by soul, with some funk and spoken word.
On 'Winter in America' we hear a more sombre musical palatte than the jazzy funk of Scott-Heron's last album, 'Pieces of a Man.' What has also been toned down is his melismatic vocal style (where a single syllable may slide across several notes), which he uses less, to the benefit of the album. He also emotes a little more, which is nice. Brian Jackson's piano takes the fore (usually electric) and between the two, they craft some unforgettable songs and some that don't hold up under repeated listens.
The opener is an excellent indicator of the album's predominant tone, a slow moving, almost hymnal work, 'Peace Go With you Brother.' It's followed by 'Rivers of My Fathers' which is a showcase for some interesting chord combinations from Jackson, though Scott-Heron sounds a little strained toward the end of the track.
Most of the album is backed by a minimal rhythm section and it isn't until 'Back Home' that a bit more of beat surfaces, however, while not unpleasant (with a nice little flute solo) the song doesn't hold a candle to the single that pushed 'Winter in American' to 300,000+ sales in America - 'The Bottle.' Essentially a R&B workout led by piano and some more direct lyrics dealing with the troubles faced by those battling alcohol, it's one of his classics.
The second half of the record is further redeemed by 'H2O Gate Blues' a live-in-the-studio blues/spoken word piece that deals with the Watergate scandal and is comparable to 'The Revolution Will Not be Televised' politically and socially. Musically it's more laid back and less proto-rap, but Gil is on fire and even overdubs himself and other members of the session to fill in for an auidence, where they cackle and holler, giving the album a lift in mood, creating a brilliant track indeed.
If you are loiking for a lot of jazz, this is more soul, even blues, so keep that in mind. If you're a Gil Scott-Heron fan and don't have it already, get it right away. Comparably, a casual listener might be better served by buying a compilation. A good album with some stellar tracks and some that just aren't as memorable. Three and a half stars.
Note, the live version of the song 'Winter in America' available as a bonus track on the reissue, is fantastic, and superior to the studio version released on Gil's release 'First Minute of a New Day.'