About

The inaugural release on the independent Hidden Beach record label, Who Is Jill Scott? was produced by the A Touch of Jazz collective founded by Scott’s fellow Philly native and kindred musical spirit Jeff Townes, more affectionately known as DJ Jazzy Jeff. Named after the instrumental track of the same name from DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s 1987 debut LP Rock the House, A Touch of Jazz boasts an impressive repertoire of top-quality records produced for the likes of soul stalwarts Michael Jackson, Bilal, Kenny Lattimore, Musiq Soulchild, Floetry, and Dwele, among many others.

Defined by its sublimely crafted ballads, laid-back grooves and sophisticated sonics, Who Is Jill Scott? is arguably the crew’s most inspired achievement, however. In discussing the motivations that fueled the album’s creation, Townes explains, “We did everything here, right down to having an involvement in the cover and the way the project looked. It was reminiscent of the old days when you had your hands in all the facets of making a record. It was very grass roots, and with little thought for the commercial aspect. We didn’t make it with the radio listener in mind, our goal was just to make a really good album that people would love from beginning to end.”

Mission accomplished. Though while Townes’ modesty is endearing, the album is far more than just really good. It’s excellent. An early 21st century masterpiece that has lost precisely none of its luster two decades on. -Albumism

ground-clip: initial; border-collapse: collapse;">

Label:  Hidden Beach Recordings – HBRLP00129

Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Blue

Country:    US

Released:   3 Jul 2020

Genre:  Funk / Soul

Style:  Neo Soul