Who Is Jill Scott?

By CHRISTOPHER JOHN FARLEY

Neosoul singer-songwriter Scott arrives with solid credentials: she co-wrote the hit song You Got Me for the hip-hop group the Roots; and Hidden Beach, the record label putting out Scott's debut album, is partly owned by retired basketball superstar Michael Jordan. Scott's album lives up to the promise of its resume. Her mostly midtempo songs are smoothly entertaining, and her soothing vocals fluently blend soulful croons, jazzy scats and forays into spoken word. Scott's relaxed singing style and the emotional detail in her lyrics make it seem she's not so much performing her songs as she is sharing personal stories with her listeners. This album has the warm, intimate glow of the best afterparty.

--By Christopher John Farley