What does Boz Scaggs sound like singing jazz standards? The answer arrives October 17th with the Boz Scaggs Detour album, marking the legendary musician’s triumphant return after seven years away from the studio. This isn’t just another covers collection—it’s a masterful exploration of the Great American Songbook that showcases why this classic rock artist continues to surprise and delight fans decades into his career.
When is the Boz Scaggs Detour Album Release Date?
The Boz Scaggs Detour album officially drops on October 17, 2025, with vinyl editions following on December 5th. Pre-orders are already available in exclusive tangerine and blue vinyl variants, signaling strong anticipation for this unexpected musical journey from the 81-year-old Bay Area native.
Why Did Boz Scaggs Choose Standards for His New Album?
The Boz Scaggs Detour album emerged from pure musical joy rather than commercial calculation. “I had no intention of making a record when I started singing these songs,” Scaggs revealed. “It was all very casual at first, just an opportunity to explore a style of music I’ve always liked, to get together with a friend and play for the sheer joy of it.”
That friend is pianist Seth Asarnow, and their informal sessions became the heart of this Boz Scaggs Detour album. What started as personal vocal exercises transformed into something magical—arrangements so undeniable they demanded to be shared with the world.
What Songs Are on the Boz Scaggs Detour Album?
The Boz Scaggs Detour album features 11 carefully chosen tracks that blend familiar classics with obscure gems:
The collection opens with Allen Toussaint’s “It’s Raining,” which originally was recorded by Irma Thomas in 1961, and includes a version of the 1934 standard “The Very Thought of You”—the same song Bob Dylan recently recorded with Barbra Streisand.
A particularly meaningful addition is “I’ll Be Long Gone,” revisited from Scaggs’ 1969 self-titled debut. “I get a lot of requests for it,” Scaggs explained, noting how Asarnow’s beautiful new arrangement fits perfectly with the album’s sophisticated jazz aesthetic.
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How Does This Classic Rock News Affect Boz Scaggs’ Legacy?
This classic rock news represents more than just another album release—it’s a bold artistic statement from a musician who refuses to be confined by genre expectations. “If I look at myself as a musician over the years, I’d have to consider my primary instrument to be my voice,” Scaggs reflects, and the Boz Scaggs Detour album puts that instrument on full display.
The legendary performer’s journey from Steve Miller Band guitarist to solo superstar to jazz interpreter demonstrates the artistic fearlessness that has defined his career. While classic rock artists often struggle to remain relevant, Scaggs proves that genuine musical curiosity can lead to unexpected triumphs.
What Makes This Different from Other Classic Rock Artists Doing Standards?
Unlike many classic rock veterans who approach standards as nostalgic exercises, the Boz Scaggs Detour album feels genuinely lived-in. “Early on, I was really influenced by rock ‘n’ roll guys like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley, and R&B and soul singers like Marvin Gaye and Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, but there was something about jazz and standards that always fascinated me,” Scaggs explains.
This fascination runs deep—Scaggs previously explored standards on 2003’s “But Beautiful: Standards Volume 1,” proving his commitment to this musical territory spans decades rather than representing a late-career whim.
Who Plays on the Boz Scaggs Detour Album?
The Boz Scaggs Detour album features an intimate ensemble centered around pianist Seth Asarnow, whose arrangements sparked the entire project. In addition to Asarnow, Detour features the musical talents of keyboardist Jim Cox and drummer Jason Lewis, creating a sophisticated jazz quartet foundation that supports Scaggs’ nuanced vocal interpretations.
This streamlined approach allows maximum focus on the songs themselves—no unnecessary embellishments, just pure musical communication between seasoned professionals who understand the power of restraint.
When Does the Boz Scaggs Tour Start?
Coinciding with Detour’s release, Scaggs will kick off a fall U.S. tour on October 17 in Indio, California. The 25-date cross-country trek, dubbed the Rhythm Review tour, is mapped out through a November 26 performance in Red Bank, New Jersey. This perfectly timed tour will allow fans to experience these new arrangements in the intimate live setting where they were born.
What Can Fans Expect from the Boz Scaggs Detour Album Sound?
Early previews suggest the Boz Scaggs Detour album captures the “gentle tone” that opens with Allen Toussaint’s “It’s Raining” and flows through “a serene version of ‘The Very Thought Of You'”. The collection tips its hat to jazz legends like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald while maintaining Scaggs’ distinctive soulful approach.
Rather than attempting to recreate classic interpretations, the Boz Scaggs Detour album offers fresh perspectives on timeless material. Each song benefits from Scaggs’ decades of experience as both a storyteller and a student of American popular music.
The Boz Scaggs Detour album represents exactly the kind of artistic risk-taking that keeps classic rock exciting. In an era when many veteran musicians play it safe, Scaggs proves that the most rewarding journeys often begin with an unexpected detour. Sometimes, as this remarkable album demonstrates, those unplanned paths lead you exactly where you belong.
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Sources:
- https://americansongwriter.com/boz-scaggs-returning-with-first-new-album-in-seven-years-detour-a-covers-collection-of-sophisticated-standards/
- https://martineztribune.com/2025/09/04/boz-scaggs-announces-first-new-album-in-seven-years/
- https://music.apple.com/us/artist/boz-scaggs/205694
- https://concordjazz.com/collections/boz-scaggs
- https://bozscaggs.com/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_American_Songbook
- https://thesongbook.org/programs/the-songbook-academy/explore-the-songbook/songbook-selections-repertoire-resources/
