NOW DIG THIS

For many MOJO readers their introduction to Scott-Heron was through 1990’s Glory (Arista), a 2-CD collection that still remains the best survey out there. For those who want more live Gil, you can’t go wrong with 1990’s Tales Of Gil Scott-Heron (Essential) which captures him in cracking form with the Amnesia Band in Europe. For a handson example of how Gil made a personal difference, Malik Al Nasir’s Letters To Gil (above, Harper Collins) is the poignant memoir that traces Nasir’s life-changing mentorship with the musician he met by chance. Also check out Robert Mugge’s excellent 1982 part in-concert, part documentary film Black Wax (MVD Visual), capturing Gil as Washington DC tour guide and on-stage at the Wax Museum Nightclub.