The Chitlin’ Circuit still exists, and Peggy Scott-Adams is
one of the current stars who works it. As Peggy Scott, she had a string of hits in the late
1960s in a duo with Jo Jo Benson.
She continued to sing in the early 70s and made a few records, although with
much less commercial success, finally drifting into semi-retirement. The multi-talented
songwriter/producer/singer Jimmy Lewis (who deserves a post of his own on this
blog) brought Peggy Scott-Adams back in the studios in 1996, setting her up
with some fine original Lewis compositions and production.
Some things get better with age well like good wine. Some things age even better than good wine. The latter could be said for the voice of Peggy Scott-Adams. If Peggy Scott was already an excellent soul singer in the 60s and 70s, her work with Jimmy Lewis elevated her to the elite of soul divas. First, there is the vocal instrument itself, which has deepened and acquired new power. Then there is the approach, the phrasing, the delivery. Peggy Scott-Adams now sounds like nobody else. She sings from the heart and will make you pay attention to the message of every song.
This collection of “16 Hits” is well selected from her best
work, mostly with Jimmy Lewis.
It begins with a devastating take on the Jimmy Lewis classic, “I Intend
to Take Your Place.” Bobby Bland
made that song a highlight of his Reflections in Blue album. But I consider Peggy’s
version to be the once and for all definitive take. Once you hear that track, you know that
you are in the presence of a VOICE. “Bill” was a smash hit on
the Chitlin’ Circuit and inspired a string of songs that play on the similar
theme of a husband leaving his wife not for another woman, but for another
man. There are plenty of
other highlights on this disc.
Jimmy Lewis left us in 2004, but Peggy Scott-Adams is still going strong. She just released a new album this month: “Life After Bill.” Try to see her live.
