By MARY STEGMEIR, Courier Staff Writer

WATERLOO --- After three years learning the music scene in Philadelphia, Joseph Scaturro has returned to the Cedar Valley with a debut album and hopes of promoting his brand of blue-eyed soul in the Midwest.

This fall the artist --- known as Jascat --- released "Here We Go," a classic R&B disc influenced by jazz, blues, funk and Motown sounds.

It's not the kind of album that typically cracks today's Top 40, but it's a style that has always resonated with Jascat. And he hopes his disc will introduce more people to the sounds that speak to him.

"It's definitely a gamble," he said. "It's not your modern R&B, Chris Brown stuff. It's more (an) Al Green, Otis Redding style. I'm trying to bring that old feel-good music back."

Audiences react well to the genre at live events, said Jascat. The musician has opened for Babyface, Ne-yo, Bobby Valentino, Ray J, Ginuwine, 112 and Jagged Edge.

"A lot of people have a certain musical niche that they enjoy and they stick with that," said Peter Scaturro, Jascat's father and manager. "But I think (Jascat's music) is something most people will enjoy if they listen to it."

The album's opening track lets listeners know they are in for something new. Jascat shows off his smooth vocals set to light percussion. A fuller sound emerges with "Desire." In that song the artist croons about obsessive love, accompanied by a cello, wind chimes and bass in the tune's introduction. "Here We Go" --- the album's single --- was produced by Simon Illa, a Philly hip-hop/R&B producer who just signed a deal with Timbaland's production company.

"I think Jascat is really one of those talented folks that sort of flies below the radar," said Hillary Crosley, R&B/Hip Hop correspondent with Billboard Magazine. "He has a really good live performance. He really knows how to command the stage."

Crosley met Jascat when he sang at Billboard's 2006 R&B/Hip Hop conference in 2006.{M3

"With most artists that are different it takes people some time to come around to their sound and realize that is something that they are ready for," she said. "Oftentimes when you have a new sound ... it takes a moment for people to realize your greatness."

While in Waterloo, Jascat plans to introduce the sound to new audiences and is putting together a band locally. He's also working with a promoter out of Chicago to forward his solo career.

"I've been interested in music my whole life," said Jascat, who wrote and produced all the songs on "Here We Go." "I want to take this as far as I can."

Contact Mary Stegmeir at (319) 291-1482 or mary.stegmeir@wcfcourier.com.

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