To Whom This May Concern

Jill Scotts Woman touched down at an odd juncture when a major artist could release an acclaimed album that tops the Billboard 200, yields three Adult R&B chart hits -- including one nominated for a Grammy -- and somehow seems lost in the shuffle, at least according to one remark in a high-profile critics roundtable discussion. ("Theres a great Jill Scott record this year no one paid a shred of freakin attention to!," to be specific.) Times were stranger yet when Scott made her long-awaited return, but the singer, poet, songwriter, and busy actress simply continued down her path. To Whom This May Concern, like Scotts five previous studio albums, is a lengthy statement with a surplus of stylistic turns and lyrical themes. Although this is adult contemporary R&B in the main, the blues, hip-hop, and house music are also among the ingredients, and Scott writes thoughtfully as ever about liberation and upliftment of both self and community, ancestral and geographic pride, deep reflection, perseverance, intimacy, and lust. One difference is the greater number of featured guests, each of whom proves to be compatible with the versatile star. Over a lean and funky DJ Premier production on "Norf Side," Scott trades verses with Tierra Whack in commanding nasal fashion. She doesnt do the same with Too $hort on the rolling Afrobeat of "BPOTY"; instead, shes in funk diva mode, targeting grifting preachers and the pharmaceutical industry with such precision that $horts trademark pimp talk comes off as metaphorical. The beaming "Be Great," a Trombone Shorty collaboration, develops into a second line procession replete with a joyous crowd. Scott sounds inspired and delighted by the presence of these and all other collaborators, whether its a longtime associate like Adam Blackstone, Andre "Dre" Harris, or OmMas Keith, or new partners like Young RJ, Christon Mason, and Seige Monstracity. Scott mints three highlights with the latter, namely the dazzling "Me 4" and the JID-assisted "To B Honest," along with the knockout "Dont Play," what could be interpreted as a delayed answer record in response to Kool G Rap & DJ Polos "Talk Like Sex": "You aint no jackhammer/I aint no city street/Im a grown wonder woman/Alive and free." Shes full of fire, uncommonly dexterous both vocally and in emotion -- scathing, instructing, loving, and funny as all get out. All 360 degrees of the Jill Scott experience are presented here. ~ Andy Kellman