Description
Emotional Tourist is the sophomore album by the British born poet and singer/songwriter Steve Scott. It was scheduled for a 1986-release on A&M Records (in co-operation with Exit Records), though shelved by the label and never officially released – except for a small number of pre-release cassettes. (All tracks have later been made available through two compilation CDs, Lost Horizon and Magnificent Obsession, independently released by Alternative Records in 1988 and 1990, respectively.) The album was recorded by Steve Griffith of Vector fame and Daryl Zachman at The Warehouse’s Sangre Studios in Sacramento, California; with Charlie Peacock producing, assisted by Michael Roe of The 77’s fame. Mixed at Salty Dog Studios in Van Nuys, California.
Magnificent Obsession, Alternative Records 1990
The first four songs, «Love in the Western World», «Heaven Hears the Heart That Breaks», «Memory Babe», and «Ghost Train», are the Charlie Peacock-produced versions, intended for Emotional Tourist. Ace percussionist Bongo Bob is featured on these tunes, while Peacock adds deft synth touches which enliven the already perking tracks. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, October 1990]
Steve Scott – Emotional Intellectual
In thinking about Steve Scott’s ‘Emotional Tourist’, the words “eclectic” and “esoteric” come to mind. While the first is accurate, his new album ‘Emotional Tourist’ is far from esoteric. In fact, it may even be his most accessible work yet.
Steve Scott is an experimental film maker and writer who works in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. He was born in London and educated at Loughton Art School and Croydon College of Art in England. His literary works have been published in various magazines and journals, a new novel is currently being shopped to publishers, and now his music is available to American audiences on the Exit/A&M label. And it’s music that reflects the background of its creator.
In talking about ‘Emotional Tourist’, Scott contrasts it with his previous release. “On ‘Love in the Western World‘, things were laid out end to end and one idea followed another,” the songwriter explains. On ‘Emotional Tourist’, the ideas are superimposed. Four references are not played out sequentially. They’re all there at once so you may have to listen to one song a few times to pick up on everything that’s going on.”
The music itself reflects Scott’s avid passion for sounds ranging from Chinese orchestras to American folk to modern composers like Steve Reich and Terry Riley. And the music is the result of the efforts of producer Charlie Peacock; The 77’s Mike Roe, Mark Tootle, and Aaron Smith; Steve Griffith and Bruce Spencer of Vector; Gary Landaker of Scott’s band, Primitive Justice; Benjamin Bossi, ex-Romeo Void; Katherine Guthorn of the Zazu Pitts Memorial Orchestra; and Bongo Bob Smith of Charlie Peacock.
And what are Steve Scott and this group of artists trying to communicate? ‘Emotional Tourist’ is about people who travel across surfaces without ever understanding the nature of the ground they cover. Intriguing? Then take the tour. [A note featured in the February 1986 issue of CCM Magazine]
Cassette tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Emotional Tourist”
A2. “Not a Pretty Picture”
A3. “The Sound of Waves”
A4. “Love in the Western World”
A5. “When Worlds Collide”
Side Two
B1. “Heaven Hears the Heart That Breaks”
B2. “Memory Babe”
B3. “Ship of Fools”
B4. “Minor Characters”
B5. “Ghost Train”
Note: The tracklist as featured on the pre-release cassette. All songs © 1985 Sangre Productions/Word Music (ASCAP).
An article regarding Steve Scott’s up-coming – though never officially released – album entitled Emotional Tourist was featured in the February 1986 issue of CCM Magazine.
CREDITS. Produced by Charlie Peacock. Assistant Producer: Mike Roe. Recorded by Steve Griffith and Daryl Zachman at Sangre Studios, The Warehouse/Sacramento. Mixed at Salty Dog in Van Nuys. Art Direction by Mark Swanson. Photographs by Sam Emerson. Cover painting by James P. Joe. Executive Coordinator: Jan Volz. Executive Producer: Mary Neely.
Musicians: Steve Scott (lead vocal, some keyboards), Daryla Griser (background vocals), Mark Tootle (keyboards), Charlie Peacock (keyboards, Linn program), Benjamin Bossi (saxophone), Mike Roe (guitars, background singing), Steve Griffith (some preproduction work, a bit of bass here and there, some background singing, endurance), Gary Landaker (bass), Aaron Smith (drums, cymbals by Paiste), Bongo Bob Smith (ethnic orchestral and electronic percussion, synthesizer programming). Guitars on “Ghost Train”: Jan Eric, Steve Griffith, Mike Roe, Don McKenney.
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