Knoel Scott facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Knoel Scott
Background information
Born	July 18, 1956 Jamaica, New York
Genres	Jazz, avant-garde jazz
Occupation(s)	Jazz musician, composer, bandleader
Labels	El Saturn Records
Associated acts	Sun Ra Arkestra, Knoel Scott Quartet

Knoel Scott (born July 18, 1956) is an American jazz musician. He is a talented saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. Knoel plays several types of saxophones, like baritone, tenor, and alto. He also plays the flute. When he performs live, he often sings and dances, making his shows exciting! He is most famous for his work with the legendary musician Sun Ra and is a key member of the the Sun Ra Arkestra.

Knoel Scott's Early Life and Musical Start

Knoel Scott was born on July 18, 1956, in Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up in Jamaica, Queens, New York. Knoel loved music from a young age. He studied at Queens College and later at State University of New York at Old Westbury. He also learned from famous jazz musicians at a place called Jazzmobile. These teachers included Frank Foster and Charles Davis.

Joining the Sun Ra Arkestra

Knoel Scott first heard the amazing Sun Ra Arkestra in the late 1970s. He was so impressed that he knew he wanted to join them. In July 1979, he tried out for Sun Ra's band. Knoel said that being part of the Arkestra became his "life's dream." Soon after, he started recording and touring with the famous Sun Ra Arkestra.

Working with Other Musicians

Between 1981 and 1988, Knoel Scott also worked with many other talented musicians. He played with artists like Olu Dara, Seleno Clarke, and Jack McDuff. This helped him gain lots of experience and grow as a musician.

Returning to Sun Ra and Today

In 1988, Sun Ra invited Knoel Scott to rejoin the Arkestra. Knoel has been a steady member ever since. He mostly plays the alto saxophone but sometimes plays tenor or baritone sax. Sun Ra also encouraged Knoel to dance and sing during performances.

People who have seen Knoel perform often talk about his amazing stage presence. One reviewer said Knoel's voice was "honeyed with just the right amount of gravel." He could get the audience dancing with the Arkestra's powerful horn section.

When Knoel Scott performs with his own group, the Knoel Scott Quartet (KSQ), he shows off his wide range of musical styles. A reviewer named Kevin Le Gendre noted that Knoel's performances remind people of old-school jazz legends. He mentioned Cab Calloway for his stage presence and Nat 'King' Cole for his romantic singing. Knoel's saxophone playing also brings to mind jazz greats like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.

Another reviewer, Matthew Ruddick, described Knoel's music as a mix of "bop, swing, Latin strolls and free jazz." He also praised Knoel's "fine bluesy baritone voice." Knoel Scott continues to be a vibrant and exciting performer in the jazz world today.