Raymond Scott Quintet: Ectoplasm
Ectoplasm collects Scott’s second Quintet (1948-49). Like its groundbreaking 1937-39 predecessor chronicled on Microphone Music, this “quintet” had six members, but unlike the original RSQ, this band didn’t create music destined for cartoons.
The usual Scott trademarks abound: wit, sophistication, and a touch of eccentricity. The style could be termed “parlor jazz,” or “chamber swing” — breezy and cerebral. Both RSQ’s were known for swirling horns, muted trumpet, and daredevil tempos. The occasional seventh ‘Q’ member is young vocalist Dorothy Collins, whose sound was shaped by Scott, her musical mentor (and later husband). Dorothy croons wordless vocals on several numbers, in which her voice sounds eerily like a theremin. Below are excerpts of original Scott compositions (and several arrangements of public domain works) included on the album. Buy the full album or single tracks at: iTunes. Amazon.
- Bird Life in the Bronx The Raymond Scott Quintet 1:33
- Curley Cue The Raymond Scott Quintet 1:45
- Dedicatory Piece to the Crew and Passengers of the First Experimental Rocket Express to the Moon The Raymond Scott Quintet 1:28
- Ectoplasm The Raymond Scott Quintet 1:32
- Humoresque The Raymond Scott Quintet 1:09
- Snake Woman The Raymond Scott Quintet 2:01
- Song of India The Raymond Scott Quintet with Dorothy Collins 1:37
- Tiger Rag The Raymond Scott Quintet with Dorothy Collins 1:42
- Street Corner in Paris The Raymond Scott Quintet 2:01
If you’re an animator or filmmaker and would like to use Scott music in your production, read here.
All compositions by Raymond Scott © Gateway Music (ASCAP)