Blue Canoe

Yonrico Scott, longtime drummer and percussionist for the Derek Trucks Band, enlists some old bandmates and other top-flight players for his most impressive album as a leader ( _Turning the Corner – was released in 2004). Early DTB is evoked on “Hear Me Now,” a gospel blues instrumental with Trucks and tenor saxophonist Mace Hibbard turning in soaring solos. Scott’s infectious vocals are out front on warm soul-funk tunes like “Feel The Glow,” and the spiritually inclined “Open Spirit,” “Not Alone” and “Gotta Get Back.” Speedy fusion lines color “When You Click You Clack,” while smooth jazz textures define “A Day in Nice,” enhanced by Scott’s vibraphone and Grant Green Jr.’s zippy guitar lines. Meanwhile, “To The Land” is an engaging percussion feature.