Knoel Scott facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Knoel Scott
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| 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 on July 18, 1956, is a talented American jazz musician. He plays several types of saxophones, like the baritone, tenor, and alto. He also plays the flute! When he performs live, he often sings and dances, making his shows exciting. Knoel is famous for his work with the amazing bandleader Sun Ra and is a long-time member of the Sun Ra Arkestra. Today, the Arkestra is led by Marshall Allen.
Contents
Early Life and Music Studies
Knoel Scott was born Noel Scott on July 18, 1956. He grew up in Jamaica, Queens, New York. He loved music from a young age.
He studied at Queens College from 1974 to 1976. Later, he graduated from the State University of New York at Old Westbury in 1979. Knoel also took special music classes at Jazzmobile. There, he learned from famous musicians like Frank Foster and Charles Davis.
Joining the Sun Ra Arkestra
Knoel Scott first heard the Sun Ra Arkestra play in 1977 or 1978. He was so impressed that he decided he wanted to join them. In July 1979, he tried out for the band. He said that becoming a member of the Arkestra became his "life's dream."
After joining, Knoel started recording music and touring all over the world with the Sun Ra Arkestra. This was a big step in his music career.
Working with Other Musicians
Between 1981 and 1988, Knoel Scott also worked with many other jazz artists. He played with musicians like Olu Dara, Jack McDuff, Don Pullen, and John Hicks. These experiences helped him grow as a musician.
Returning to Sun Ra and Today
In 1988, Sun Ra invited Knoel Scott to come back to the Arkestra. Knoel has been a key part of the band ever since. He mostly plays the alto saxophone, but sometimes he plays the tenor or baritone sax.
Sun Ra also encouraged Knoel to dance and sing during performances. This made Knoel's shows even more special. People who watch him perform often say his voice is warm and blends perfectly with the band's horns. His energy makes people want to get up and dance!
In recent years, Knoel Scott has also led his own group, the Knoel Scott Quartet (KSQ). When his quartet played in London in 2015, a reviewer named Kevin Le Gendre said Knoel's music showed many different styles. He mentioned that Knoel's stage presence reminded him of Cab Calloway. His singing style brought to mind Nat 'King' Cole. Knoel's saxophone playing showed influences from jazz legends like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. This shows how Knoel Scott connects different parts of jazz history in his music.
Another reviewer, Matthew Ruddick, described Knoel's performance as a mix of different jazz styles. He noted Knoel's "fine bluesy baritone voice." Knoel Scott continues to perform and share his unique jazz style with audiences around the world.
