The cover credit on this live trio album reads "
Darrell Scott,
Danny Thompson and
Kenny Malone," and the progressive British folk-rock bassist (best known for his work with
Pentangle and
Richard Thompson) and stalwart Nashville session drummer deserve the equal billing. Rarely has the singer/songwriter's material sounded better than it does on these loose, expansive takes. There are only nine songs on this 63-minute album, stretched out into jazzy instrumental vamps that only very rarely devolve into tiresome jam band showboating. All three players solo tastefully (
Thompson's best showcase is at the end of the bluesy opener, "Miracle of Living"), although
Scott's nicely weathered voice and solid guitar playing remain in the forefront. A small handful of covers between the originals are a pleasant change of pace, but no more. Low-key but entertaining,
Live in NC should charm
Scott's fans.