Rating: NNN
His string of unusual and intriguing solo records regularly overshadowed by his status as Madonna’s brother-in-law, Joe Henry can’t be blamed for trying to cash in, maybe pull a few strings and nail down a celebrity appearance to boost sales of his new Scar album. It’s not Madonna who appears, though, but Ornette Coleman. Scar shows a decidedly jazzy edge to Henry’s loping pop songs, with guests like Brian Blade, Brad Mehldau, Marc Ribot and, remarkably, free-jazz titan Coleman turning up as sidemen. It also includes a song called Richard Pryor Addresses A Tearful Nation and a centre-spread photo of the comedian. Unpredictable and elegant, Henry works through pop, folk, tango and soul jazz here, keeping one step ahead of himself and never at a loss for ideas. Madonna should give him a call.