The Bakersfield Jazz Festival, known to highlight some of the most glamorous contemporary and traditional jazz musicians around, will not disappoint this year. This edition of the festival will have a star-studded cast, which includes Grammy-award winning saxophonist Tom Scott.
Scott, who will be making his second appearance at the jazz festival, is well known in the music industry as a composer, arranger, and director as well as an incredible performer. With such TV themes as “Family Ties,” “Starsky and Hutch,” “The Streets Of San Francisco” and “Square Pegs” under his belt, Scott has created a niche for himself as an important part of film and television. His most recent project was the popular game show “Twenty-One,” and he is also working on another CD project.
“The new CD will go in a direction that explores Latin and R&B,” he said.
Strictly a straight-ahead jazz sax player in his early professional years, Scott was heavily influenced by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Cannonball Adderly.
“Those three guys, Miles, Trane, and Cannonball, were a huge influence,” he said. “I wore out Miles’ “My Funny Valentine” when it came out. Cannonball Adderly was an great sax player that provided endless fascination. These three musicians are the Holy Trinity of horn players.”
In the ‘70’s, contemporary jazz began to evolve, and Scott adapted nicely into the change, although keeping his roots intact.
“In the ‘60’s, there was no such thing as contemporary jazz,” Scott said. “ Jazz back then was based on standards. As contemporary jazz grew, it became more One of the more interesting eras of contemporary jazz took place when saxophonist Kenny G came onto the scene in the early ‘80’s. Although Kenny G’s music does not fit in the traditional or contemporary jazz category, Scott gives him credit for opening doors for many sax players.
“Kenny G is a great sax player, with awesome talent,” he said. “I admire his talent. He’s one of the biggest selling artists of all time, and it’s because of him that many solo sax players are out there getting an opportunity. Nothing against him. He’s a great musician, but his
style isn’t my cup of tea.”
However, Scott has found memories of the late Grover Washington Jr, one of the most influential saxophonists in contemporary jazz.
“Grover was truly a nice guy, a great person and musician,” he said. “I don’t think anyone had a bad thing
to say about Grover Washington, Jr. He appeared on my “Reed My Lips” CD, and we did the title song in one shot. He was a great man who will be missed.”
Scott was one of 10 saxophonists that performed at the 1992 inauguration for President Clinton.
“That’s one of my greatest memories,” he said. “It was great to be able to perform with other sax players at such a big event.” Some of the other participating saxophonists were Gerald Albright, Kirk
Whalum, Everette Harp, and Kenny G.
When Scott performs at the jazz festival this year, he will be backed up by his famed “L.A Express” group. Originally formed in 1974, the group featured Joe Sample on piano and Larry Carlton on guitar, and released two albums from 1974-1976, titled Tom Scott and the LA Express, and Tom Cat. Scott concentrated on solo work and other projects until 1994, when the LA Express group was reincarnated.
With or without the group behind him, Scott has a strong command of his music, and wants his audience to feel the music.
“When I play a song, I want to know what the song says to me, “ he said. “As far as emotion goes. I then want to translate that emotion to the audience. Conveying those feelings and emotions is what makes a musician great.”
There is no doubt that Tom Scott will captivate the Bakersfield audience with his incredible sound and powerful emotion when he takes the stage on Saturday night.
Runner@csubak.edu