Comedian, musician, former burlesque dancer and star of MTV’s Mary + Jane, Scout Durwood, is a master of many trades – and her forthcoming album, Take One Thing Off, showcases them all.
Take One Thing Off blends Durwood’s unique style, with elements of music, comedy, and musical comedy woven together, with beautifully arranged comic songs mixed with moments from a live stand-up set.
She debuted the title track on AfterEllen.com, and gave them a little background:
“The video was the same balance of controlled chaos I like to have onstage, and is the brainchild of Sammi Cohen and Sarah King. We wanted something colorful, queer and just left of center. Also, I can’t believe we got a motorcycle into a laundromat, but we did. As to my overall work, I have the blessing/curse of being interested in a lot of things, which is fantastic for staying busy but tricky when it comes to staying focused. Touring a multi-genre album like this has always been my dream, but it took years to get all the resources together to do it. Blue Elan has been a big part of that. The fact that they’ve funded this weird, wonderful little project of mine is an incredible testament to their willingness to take risks, which is so far from the name of the game in the entertainment industry. I guess over time, I’ve learned to take myself and my comedy a little more seriously and be a little less of a woman in sequins singing in a bar. Now I’m a woman with even more sequins singing in an even bigger bar. I’ll take it!”
And it’s not just a comedy album; Durwood’s musical skills are solid, and with the production guidance of the legendary Dave Darling – who’s worked with Def Leppard and Tom Waits, among others – her tracks truly shine.
Take One Thing Off is out on May 19 from Blue Elan Records, and it’s available for pre-order now.
