Jazz group Kendrick Scott Oracle is fronted by Houston, Texas bred drummer/composer Kendrick Scott. Formed in 2007, the group has released their second album, the 2013 effort Conviction, with different musicians. Tightly assembled and described as a ‘seamless stream of music with no breaks’, the album utilizes overlap; each track segues into the next. Nonetheless, all 11 tracks are distinct from another.
Excellence and eclecticism are epitomized on Conviction. Indie darling Sufjan Stevens is capably covered (“Too Much”), featuring Alan Hampton on vocals. Herbie Hancock’s abstractions thrive (“I Have a Dream”) through pianist Taylor Eigsti harmonic anchoring with chordal punches. Scott’s original “Liberty or Death” finds saxophonist John Ellis spoiling listeners with the warmth of bass clarinet. Scott, always propelling the rhythmic continuity, shines brightest on “Cycling Through Reality”, delivering a drum solo possessing ‘melodic mentality’. Ever intriguing, Conviction capitalizes on its fearless ambition. Never dull, sans filler, Kendrick Scott Oracle deliver effortlessly.