Christian Scott
is a Grammy Nominated jazz musician from New Orleans, Louisiana who graduated from the Berklee College of Music in 2004. [1] He currently leads a modern jazz ensemble of his own name.
The trumpeter is known for his warm tone and ability to make "round, fuzzy" [2] notes that sound unlike a trumpet.
Scott produced and released his debut album Rewind That
on March 28, 2006, on Concord Records. [3]
His second album, Anthem
(released August 28, 2007), was inspired by Hurricane Katrina's effect on New Orleans. [4]
Christian's first ever Live Album/DVD "Live At Newport" (released August 9, 2008) [5]
Christian Scott is the nephew of the great jazz alto saxophonist Donald Harrison Jr.
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CHIEF ADJUAH (CHRISTIAN SCOTT) TICKETS
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Biography
A native of New Orleans, LA, Christian Scott has successfully absorbed the rich musical heritage of his family, in addition to the diverse musical sounds that filled his childhood home. After receiving a trumpet as a gift from his mother and grandmother at the age of 11, he began to explore his talents. At the age of 16, Scott began to emerge as one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary Jazz.
Scott’s tutelage began with his mother, Cara Harrison. She taught her son to read music and to memorize rhythm patterns. These early teaching helped her to recognize her son’s gift. His grandfather, the late Donald Harrison, Sr., also recognizing this gift, exposed Christian to the works of many Jazz legends. As Christian’s thirst for musical knowledge increased, he sought the help of his uncle, acclaimed Jazz innovator, Donald Harrison, Jr. Harrison, Jr. took the young Scott under his musical wing and made Christian a part of his band in 1998, when Scott was 15 years old.
Scott attended and graduated with honors from McDonogh #35 High School and the prestigious New Orleans Center of Creative Arts in 2001. He received many scholarship offers and decided to accept Berklee College of Music’s offer. After testing out of a number of classes to advance his graduation date, he successfully completed his studies and graduated from Berklee College of Music in 3 years. The feat was accomplished while Christian maintained a very busy touring schedule with Donald Harrison, Jr. as well as with his own young band. While only 19 years old, Scott produced and recorded his first solo recording. The self-titled CD earned the young musician critical acclaim as well as near rock star status in Boston where he was attending Berklee. During one of his many packed house performances at a Virgin Music store, a former employee of Concord Records was in attendance. So impressed with his talent and crowd the young trumpeter was able to draw, she forwarded his recording to executives with Concord Music Group.
Scott signed with the major label in 2005 and released his second recording, “Rewind That” in 2006. Everyone in the music industry took notice. Scott was prominently featured on the cover of Billboard Magazine as was named a “One to Watch in 2006” by the quintessential music industry magazine. Scott’s major label debut enjoyed remarkable success with it’s odd metered offerings of Jazz, Rock and R&B infused compositions. Critics did not know how to categorize the music which has now been credited with changing the music. Scott’s intention was always to move the genre forward. The commercial success of “Rewind That” lead the way for other young musician’s success in emulating the groundwork laid out by Scott. His Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Album was no surprise to those who recognized his trailblazing work.
The following year, Scott caught the ear of some music industry heavy hitters. After being introduced to Scott’s music by talk and radio show host, Tavis Smiley, Prince contacted Scott to collaborate with him. When George Clooney needed a young, good-looking musician to participate in his movie “Leatherheads,” it was Scott that got the call.
Scott proved that his first Concord recording was no fluke with the release of “Anthem.” The disc boasted mature compositions and social commentary brought on by his home town’s devastation by Hurricane Katrina as well as other personal and world matters. “Anthem,” in the view of most critics, is a masterpiece.
Some have criticized Scott for his socio-political offerings in interviews. Scott was raised in a home and by family who placed a premium value on social and political values. His mother was and is actively involved in non-profit work that helps to enrich the lives of others and made certain that her children (Christian has a twin brother, Kiel who is an accomplished artist, photographer and filmmaker) embraced these values. Christian devotes his time to young people, encouraging them to pursue their goals and be mindful of their families and communities. He purchases instruments and bestows upon budding musicians, gives private and group instructions at schools all over the country and particularly in his hometown. He is a regular fixture at Guardians Institute, his grandmother, Herreast Harrison’s non-profit that is dedicated to reading and fiscal literacy, physical well-being and the preservation and promotion of New Orleans’ indigenous cultural arts.
Scott is also known for rewriting the style guide for young Jazz musicians. His signature kravat and dark Raybans have graced the pages of major publications. As unafraid in his style as he is in his music, his trendsetter status is secure. His global fashion sense distinguishes him from his counterparts and endears him to fashionistas the world over.
Notable quotes by Scott:
On Scott’s refusal to make his first recordings in the “traditional” swing mode: “That would be like meeting a woman and trying to be like her last boyfriend. You have to be different.”
On Jazz traditionalist saying his music isn’t valid: “My music is valid because I am valid.”
Discography
- Paradise Found
– Donald Harrison
- Kind of New
– Donald Harrison
- Nnenna Freelon
- Planet Earth
- Prince
Filmography
- Leatherheads
- Rachel’s Getting Married
Members of The Christian Scott Quintet
Current
- Christian Scott - Trumpet, Cornet, Flugel Horn, Soprano Trombone
- Matt Stevens - MD - Guitar
- Jamire Williams - Drums
- Milton Flecther - Piano - Fender Rhodes
- Kristopher Funn - Bass
Previous
- Thomas Pridgen - Drums
- Andrew Marsh - Drums
- Marcus Gilmore - Drums
- James Williams - Drums
- Aaron Parks - Piano
- Zaccai Curtis - Piano
- Courtney Bryan - Piano
- Luques Curtis - Bass
- Esperanza Spalding - Bass
- Walter Smith III - Sax
- Louis Fouche IIII - Sax
- Devin Phillips - Sax
- David Daruska - Guitar
- Roman Pilon - Guitar
- Ben Garrison - Guitar
References
- Hayes, Rob. ''"Berklee Monterey Quartet to Headline at Blues Alley"'' - Berklee Press Release - October 8, 2004 - retrieved 2007-02-07
- Jacobson, Nils. ''"Rewind That"'' - All About Jazz - album review - March 21, 2006 - retrieved 2007-02-07
- Christian Scott official website
- Gans, Charles J. Music Review: Christian Scott - ''Anthem'' - Associated Press - (c/o SFGate.com) - Thursday, August 30, 2007
- http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=31118