The Original Jill Scott from the Vault, Vol. 1

Background

In October 2010, Scott left her former record label Hidden Beach Recordings. She was subsequently countersued by Hidden Beach in a complaint that claimed she breached her six-album contract and owed millions of dollars in damages. Hidden Beach founder Steve McKeever said in 2010, "Scott is contractually required to deliver three more albums to Hidden Beach". Their complaint's allegation of damages owned cited the California Labor Code's "De Havilland Law" section, under which certain recording artists who wish to terminate lengthy recording deals are required to reimburse their labels in the amount the labels would have received under the terms of the contracts. The complaint also alleged that McKeever paid Scott's million-dollar advances when he was not required to, allowed her to keep merchandising revenue, paid $ 450,000 to fund a concert DVD that Scott ultimately asked not to be released, bought her lavish gifts, and allowed her a slower recording schedule for her to pursue an acting career.

The lawsuit was settled in 2011, resulting in plans for Hidden Beach releasing an album series of Scott's previously unreleased songs recorded for the label, the first being The Original Jill Scott from the Vault, Vol. 1.

Recording

Following the settlement, Scott worked with Steve McKeever in compiling the music for The Original Jill Scott from the Vault from previous recording sessions. McKeever said of their selections, "These are unheard masterpieces, some of which were meant to be the centerpiece of future albums". They were taken from sessions during June 2000 to October 2007 at several studios in Philadelphia, including A Touch of Jazz (Studio C), Home Cooking Studios, Larry Gold Recording Studio, and Studio 609. Production for those songs were handled by Dre & Vidal, Carvin & Ivan, and DJ Jazzy Jeff, among others. Live songs were taken from Scott's 2000 and 2007 performances at the House of Blues in Los Angeles and the Hidden Beach Launch Party in Santa Monica, California.

The album was mastered using AfterMaster HD Audio. Its liner notes were written by McKeever.

Release and promotion

The Original Jill Scott from the Vault, Vol. 1 was released on August 30, 2011, by Hidden Beach Recording, distributed through Universal Music Group. It was originally scheduled to be released in early June with the title Just Before Dawn: Jill Scott from the Vault, Vol. 1, referencing Scott's subsequent studio release The Light of the Sun and the compilation's songs having been recorded before that album. Steve McKeever said of the change, "In an effort to support her new [album], at Jill’s request we changed the title of our album and moved the release date as not to confuse the marketplace".

The album's pre-order was made available at the label's website, offering a limited edition, deluxe version of the CD, packaged with a DVD featuring all of Scott's past music videos and bonus live performances. The album will be released in both a standard 11-track edition and a deluxe edition, which includes two additional live tracks and a 20-page booklet with song lyrics and producer notes.

The album's lead single, a cover of Bill Withers' 1977 song "Lovely Day", was produced by DJ Jazzy Jeff and made available for sale in April via the label's website.

Commercial performance

The Original Jill Scott from the Vault, Vol. 1 charted at number 24 on the US Billboard 200 in the week of September 17, 2011. It spent four weeks on the chart. The album also reached number six on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, spending eight weeks on the chart.

Critical response

The album was well received by music critics. Allmusic editor Thom Jurek gave it three-and-a-half out of five stars and viewed it as distinctive from most "From the Vaults recordings", stating "Many of the tracks here are finished masters, and virtually everything will delight hardcore Scott fans." Jurek commented that its songs "showcase Scott in excellent voice" and wrote in conclusion, "it enhances the listener's idea of her perfectionist work ethic. It's not only listenable as an 'in process' document, but offers a slew of tracks in various stages that are simply a pleasure to listen to." Andy Gill of The Independent found the album "far better than most contractual fulfilment albums – possibly due to Scott's involvement in its compilation." Mark Edward Nero of About.com noted "the quality and depth of the material" and stated, "it fittingly displays all the talent, charm and creativity that helped propel her to stardom."

Track listing

Personnel

Credits for The Original Jill Scott from the Vault, Vol. 1 adapted from Allmusic.