Vocalist Merry Claytons musical story was articulated in the Oscar-winning 20 Feet from Stardom, a documentary about backing vocalists on countless classic rock, pop, soul, and gospel hit records. Claytons duet with Mick Jagger on the Rolling Stones Gimme Shelter in 1969 is a prime example. Before that appearance, shed been a professional for nearly a decade. In 1962, at the age of 16, she duetted with Bobby Darin, then joined Ray Charles Raelettes. Since then her voice has graced literally hundreds of charting and legendary recordings. Between 1970 and 1975 she issued three albums for producer Lou Adlers Ode label, and a pair of excellent gospel outings, 1980s Emotion and 1994s Miracles. In 2014 Clayton was in a car accident and suffered the amputation of both legs below the knee. She spent five months in the hospital, but responded to the news of her loss with gratitude when told she could still sing. The following year she appeared on Coldplays A Head Full of Dreams. Beautiful Scars was co-produced by Adler and Grammy-winning gospel songwriter, vocalist, and instrumentalist Terry Young, who contributed five songs to the set. It opens with a new read of Leon Russells A Song for You. Clayton initially covered it on her 1970 debut album, and she and her late husband, the great saxophonist Curtis Amy, chose it as their song. Adler honored that by dubbing in Amys original 1970 saxophone solo. Claytons performance affirms that her voice has lost none of its suppleness, elasticity, or passion. She follows with a rousing version of Sam Cookes Touch the Hem of His Garment, fronting a gospel choir a cappella, showcasing her power and authority. Love Is a Mighty River was penned for her by Coldplays Chris Martin. A piano, Hammond B-3, and South Africas Soweto Gospel Choir underscore her conviction and positivity. Likewise, Diane Warren penned the powerful title track for her. Claytons delivery is initially soft and subtle, but she gradually ratchets the song into a soaring, anthemic testament of hope and faith. Shes surrounded by tasteful strings, electric guitars, processional drums, and cascading keyboards. She rocks the house with Youngs stomping He Made a Way. Its riveting tempo, combined with Claytons muscular delivery, revels in the influences of Dorothy Love Coates and Mahalia Jackson. The soul-gospel of Oh What a Friend frames that voice in swinging horns, funky wah-wah guitars, and shimmering percussion. Clayton croons above it, offering a stirring expression of spiritual gratitude. Beautiful Scars closes with a glorious medley of Stuart Hamblens Its No Secret What God Can Do, the Five Stairsteps Ooh Child, and Jackie DeShannons Put a Little Love in Your Heart, sung in duet with her teenaged granddaughter Kyliyah backed by a strident gospel choir. Beautiful Scars is glorious. Its not a comeback album but an astonishing new chapter in the book of Claytons epic life. ~ Thom Jurek

Rovi