Groovin’ With… Scatman
Panda Digital, 2021
8/10
Listen to Groovin’ With… Scatman
Benjamin Sherman ‘Scatman’ Crothers lived an amazing life as a star of stage, film, and TV. After starting out singing and playing drums as a teenager in clubs, Crothers ended up quite famous for his acting in hundreds programs, though music was always a big part of his life, too. Culled from a recording session in 1975, these songs are finally seeing a formal release, and it’s a diverse and very entertaining peek into his many talents.
The aptly titled “Going Strong” starts the listen with bright horns, Crothers’ sturdy pipes and frisky drumming in the soulful jazz opener, and “Scatman’s” follows with a festive spirit that will get your body moving to the playful backing vocals, charming vocal scatting and lively energy.
There’s just 8 tracks present, and each one is a gem, including the dreamy vibraphone of the smooth, pop friendly “You’re Pretty”, while “Louis Is Your Garbage Man” flows with a punchy approach of gritty yet melodic timeless and memorable song craft where Scatman pays tribute to a character he played.
Nearing the end, “Stanley (Does It All)” is a raw and bare tune with just Crothers’ voice that pays homage to Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining (which Crothers was apart of), and “Going Strong Theme” exits the listen firm and busy, with jumpy keys, vocal acrobatics and a glowing personality that comprised all of his work.
Crothers passed away in 1986, but, thanks to this release, he’s still finding ways to put a smile on people’s faces, and these songs sound just as great today as they would have in the ‘70s.
Travels well with: Joe Bowden- Roots- Tales Of The Urban Yoda; Dave Young Quartet- Ides Of March