Mark Scott III, Soft Light Review

Mark Scott III: Soft Light On The Jazz Guitar Trio

by Nolan DeBuke

Soft Light is guitarist, educator, and composer Mark Scott III’s debut album. The set is a journey through eleven musical tracks articulated through thoughtful compositions, playing, and trio interplay. After relocating to Austin, Scott forged a deep musical connection with bassist Ben Triesch and drummer Mike Gordon. This trio’s chemistry is obvious throughout Soft Light, where every track offers a fresh feel and a broader narrative of the trio’s interaction in the moment. The album’s theme is catalyzed by inspiration of personal loss and physical challenges, making this a tribute to those who have passed and a reflection on the vibrant, sometimes tumultuous, tapestry of everyday existence.

Kicking off Soft Light is “Carpals,” an original Scott composition inspired by his battle with wrist pain. The track’s bright, bouncing melody and inventive chord progression reflect Scott’s physical resilience and, in a broader sense of, overcoming adversity. The rhythm section of Triesch and Gordon sets a propulsive backdrop, with an intricate interplay between guitar, drums, and bass for the course of the performance. Scott’s guitar lines shimmer with the jazz guitar heritage, coming from the Barney Kessel through Kenny Burrell lineage. It’s a strong opener that establishes the album’s guitar-fronted trio tone for what follows.

With a jaunty two-beat swing feel, “Food Court” invites us to enjoy a Scott composition inspired by the quiet moments he experienced while composing amidst the hustle and bustle of a busy mall. The building solo lines during Scott’s improvisation balances minimalist textures of single notes and chords. The trio displays the art of listening, where each musician tunes into the sounds around them as a fertile ground for musical insight and inspiration.

A playful nod to Thelonious Monk’s iconic “Rhythm-A-Ning,” this track captures the trio’s essence in a lighthearted rhythm changes setting. “Rhythm-Ding” swings with a lively, upbeat energy, as Scott infuses the piece with traditional jazz guitar figures and clear swinging rhythms. The track’s infectious sense of fun is combined with its reverence for jazz tradition, which speaks to Scott’s skill in the mid-20th century jazz style.

“News Blues” is a medium-tempo blues inspired by the overwhelming flow of information in the modern age, particularly through the lens of social media and constant connectivity. The performance opens with a bluesy introduction by Triesch.  Gordon’s delicate brush solo adds the perfect relaxed swing texture for Scott’s well-paced solo. The trio underscores the emotional joy that can be found in a less-is-more jazz landscape. Scott’s use of chords during the later part of his solo is building and storytelling.

With an infectious burst of minor-toned energy, “Sneak Peak” evokes the thrill of a hard-bop-inspired adventure. The track’s tempo and quicksilver melody offer a new pace within the flow of the project.  The voice-leading in Scott’s solo during his chordal passages captures our imagination. The track’s energetic forward momentum keeps listeners on their toes as Triesch and Gordon provide vibrancy and motion for Scott’s integration of blues and swing into his performances.

“Monster Beat” marks a shift in the album’s mood, embracing a groove-heavy, funk-inspired rhythm that introduces a more adventurous emotional territory. The infectious bassline and rhythmic backbeat support guitar stabs of chords to create a bold melody. Scott builds an atmosphere that invites listeners to explore his laidback sonic language during his solo. The interplay between the rhythm section and Scott’s improvisation builds in intensity but never loses the light overtone of the project.

“Soft Light” is a slow-swing ballad that serves as a musical tribute to those who have passed. “Soft Light” unfolds slowly, its delicate melody carried by Scott’s bright acoustic jazz box sound. Scott’s sense of tender chord voicings is accompanied by subtle bass and brushed drums. The trio creates a serene, almost meditative atmosphere, allowing the music’s emotion to linger in the air.

“Smile” has a warm and engaging medium swing feel and an infectious melody that uplifts without being overly active. Scott’s expressive solo phrasing gives the piece a sense of gentle forward motion that conveys a narrative quality. Scott engages listeners through expressive phrasing and dynamic sensitivity. Whether delivering a soulful jazz blues single line or a chord passage with inner movement of voice leading, Scott’s emotive touch celebrates the underlying strength of space and time.

Scott introduces “Warmth” with a well-structured chord solo. The composition’s lyrical quality flows naturally, with Scott’s guitar lines weaving between Triesch’s lush harmonic bass tones and the gently swaying rhythms of Gordon’s drum set. The trio’s feel provides an additional layer of depth, enhancing the track’s nostalgic 50’s jazz tone. Characterized by a warm, clean timbre, achieved through the use of a hollow-body archtop electric guitar with the neck pickup activated, played through a tube combo amplifier, Scott further brings this style into focus.

“Tomorrow” signals a turning point in the album, symbolizing the promise of a brighter future. The track’s energizing melody feels like a fresh start, with its lively rhythm driving the narrative of moving forward. The guitar-led trio format presented by Scott and his collaborations has its foundation in the sounds of Kessel with bassist Ray Brown and drummer Shelly Manne in the “Poll Winners” series. This performance highlights Scott’s ability to carry melodic and harmonic responsibilities, effectively positioning the guitar as an effective lead instrument in a jazz trio.

Concluding the album on a note of hope and renewal, “The Sun Behind a Cloud” is an uplifting ballad that encapsulates the spirit of resilience that runs through Soft Light. The piece’s reflective tone, underscored by a steady, optimistic rhythm, offers a sense of comfort and assurance that brighter days lie ahead. The interplay between the guitar and rhythm is dynamic and settled with a slight folk jazz overtone. It’s a fitting conclusion to the album’s emotional journey, leaving listeners with a renewed sense of hope and the belief that even in life’s darkest moments, there is always light waiting to break through.

Mark Scott III’s evolution from a teenage admirer of John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme and Pat Metheny’s Still Life (Talking) has led him to present an enjoyable debut jazz guitar trio album. His early musical inclinations in hip-hop and classic rock, followed by a transformative period as an indie singer-songwriter, have enriched his 50s, 50s-styled jazz guitar vocabulary. Beyond the recording studio, Scott’s contributions as a sideman, bandleader, and educator have cemented his reputation in the vibrant Austin jazz scene. His roles—from judging prestigious competitions like the TMEA All-State jazz guitar contest to mentoring students at the Brevard Jazz Institute Summer Festival—highlight a commitment to nurturing the next generation of jazz talent.  His mature depth and fully formed artistic vision presented in Soft Light promises a bright future for Scott as a recording artist and an influential educator.

Mark Scott III’s debut album, Soft Light, captures his thoughtful compositions, playing style, and the dynamic interplay within his trio. Drawing inspiration from the rich history of 1950s jazz guitar trios, Scott adeptly balances melodic and harmonic duties, capturing the essence of that era’s sound. His work pays homage to the pioneers of jazz guitar, but also infuses a contemporary perspective, suggesting a promising future for this guitarist and dedicated educator. Soft Light offers an engaging preview of the artistic evolution to anticipate as Scott’s musical journey progresses.