(August 20, 2020) Detroit-reared Rena Scott scored her first major label deal as a teenager during the early ‘70s, when she was affectionately referred to as “Little Aretha.” Eventually landing a backing gig with none other than the Queen of Soul herself, Scott simultaneously established herself as a solo force with which to be reckoned. Her James Mtume and Reggie Lucas-produced Come on Inside LP is a much-treasured soul-funk jewel from the disco era, and her appearance on Michael Henderson’s “Take Me I’m Yours” set the tone for her run as a romantic balladeer.
(August 20, 2020) Detroit-reared Rena Scott scored her first major label deal as a teenager during the early ‘70s, when she was affectionately referred to as “Little Aretha.” Eventually landing a backing gig with none other than the Queen of Soul herself, Scott simultaneously established herself as a solo force with which to be reckoned. Her James Mtume and Reggie Lucas-produced Come on Inside LP is a much-treasured soul-funk jewel from the disco era, and her appearance on Michael Henderson’s “Take Me I’m Yours” set the tone for her run as a romantic balladeer.
Scott has released several independent albums over the last two decades, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down. She’s pausing for a moment, though, to look back, as she unearths a never-before-released recording she cut with The Crusaders in 1983. Although the instrumental of “Driftin’ on a Dream” was released on saxophonist Wilton Felder’s Gentle Fire LP that same year, Scott’s vocal (and the original arrangement) has remained in the vault until now. Penned by her with the late, great Skip Scarborough (Earth Wind & Fire’s “Can’t Hide Love,” Emotions’ “Don’t Ask My Neighbors”), the song’s sunny and hopeful passages mesh brilliantly with the ethereal instrumentation. She employs her signature combination of sass and cool throughout the tune, effortlessly transporting the listener to a world of peaceful imagery and melodic bliss.
Enjoy Rena Scott’s newly unveiled original recording of “Driftin’ on a Dream” below!