Biography Wikipedia
from Wikipedia:
Christian Scott, born March 31, 1983, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is the 2010 Edison Award winner for Best International Jazz Artist and a Grammy Award-nominated jazz trumpeter, composer and producer. He has been heralded by JazzTimes magazine as "the Architect of a new commercially viable fusion" and "Jazz's young style God".
The nephew of jazz alto saxophonist Donald Harrison, since 2006 Scott has released four studio albums, and one live recording.
The trumpeter is noted for his use of an unvoiced tone, which he calls his "whisper technique."
Early life
Christian Scott, and his twin brother, Kiel, were born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on March 31, 1983, to Cara Harrison and Clinton Scott III.
Training
Scott first studied with his mother. Once Scott demonstrated talent, his uncle, Donald Harrison, Jr. began to teach him. By the age of fourteen, Christian auditioned for New Orleans Center of Creative Arts. He was accepted to the high school for the arts and excelled under the direction of jazz music program directors, Clyde Kerr, Jr. and Kent Jordan.
After completing his high school education and graduating with honors, Scott attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. He received a scholarship and studied under the direction of Charlie Lewis, Dave Santoro, and Gary Burton. Scott majored in Professional Music with a concentration in Film Scoring. Scott completed the five year program in three years, while touring with Donald Harrison, Jr.'s quartet, his own band, and writing, producing and marketing his self-titled first recording.
Concord Music Group
During the CD release performances at a Virgin Music store for Scotts' self titled debut recording, a former distributor for Concord Records, Kenneth Shurtlift, was in attendance and later forwarded Scott's recording to executives with Concord Music Group. Scott signed with the major label in 2005 and released his second recording, "Rewind That" in 2006. Scott was prominently featured on the cover of Billboard Magazine and was named "One to Watch in 2006" by the quintessential music industry magazine. Scott's major label debut enjoyed remarkable success with its odd metered offerings of Jazz, Rock and R&B infused compositions. Critics did not know how to categorize the blend of musical influences.
Whisper technique
Scott is noted for "un-voicing" his tone, emphasising breath over vibration at the mouthpiece. Scott refers to it as his "whisper technique".
Pointers from Donald Harrison and Clark Terry along with two years of intense concentration and practice helped to develop his tone. To get the particular sound he wanted he resisted additional advice from his music teachers and books. "It came from a lot of different things. Jazz trumpeter and elder statesman Clark Terry told me about the technique Clifford Brown used to get an airy sound when he played. I wanted my sound to be different than any other. Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie and others made their mark on their generation because their sound was unique."
Katrina
Katrina is Scott's signature model Bb trumpet made specifically for him by Edwards Instruments (Getzen). Designed by Scott, Christan Greigo and Kiel Scott the horn's attributes include a tilted bell, exchangeable lead pipe and reverse tuning system, all which helped Christian to employ his signature Whisper Technique more effectively. The horn was initially designed in this unique way from the desire of Scott to have the ability to see his audience as he played.
During those years of practice, Edwards Instruments (Getzen) was busy making Christian's CS Signature Model Trumpet that bears a likeness to Dizzy Gillespie's iconic instrument. "My bell actually curves much earlier than his [Dizzy] did, like 22 degrees. His horn had a bell that went up like 35 almost 45 degrees and his bell tilts at the valve section much earlier. Mine is a Generation X hybrid trumpet with blades and all this special matte finishing and engraving all over it that says Christian Scott and Katrina", explains Scott.
Community service
Christian, while touring and on his down time, to spend time with young people to hold music classes, impart music business knowledge and his life experiences. These sessions are held at non-profit organizations and schools throughout the United States. Additionally, Christian lends his considerable talents to fundraising events for various organizations.
While touring, Scott has held classes at high schools throughout the United States. He recently purchased custom trumpets which he gave to budding musicians from New Orleans. On his trips back to his home town, he is often a fixture at Guardians Institute's, a non-profit founded by his grandmother, Herreast Harrison, Sankofa Saturday sessions, book giveaways and informances held at New Orleans' Recovery School District schools.
Fashion
Scott's cavalier style of dress has garnered him recognition in magazines such as L'UOMO VOGUE, VOGUE ITALIA, THE SOURCE & KING MAGAZINE. Christian is known to sport Comme Des Garçons drop crotch jeans, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair, harem style pants, Dior short ties, Dior Homme, and his signature Rayban sunglasses, pearl earrings and ascots.
"His global fashion sense distinguishes him from his counterparts and endears him to fashionistas the world over.
"Why can't the world be filled with more men willing to take a risk in terms of what they wear, every now and then. Men just like jazz musician Christian Scott. Clearly not afraid of exploring the side of menswear that you don't normally see out in the spotlight (runway lights not included), at the launch of David Beckham's new pairing with Adidas on Wednesday, the trumpet player took apart a few looks from the Dior Homme Fall 2009 show and created a whole new look of his own."
Filmography
LeatherheadsRachel Getting MarriedThe Roe EffectKeeper of the FlameTelevision
Tavis Smiley June 2006 Tavis Smiley September 2007 Late Night with Jimmy Fallon March 2010 Jimmy Kimmel Live
