Learn More About This Event Below

FEATURED ARTISTS:

Christian Scott (trumpet)

Matthew Stevens (guitar)

Lawrence Fields (piano)

Kristopher Keith Funn (bass)

Jamire Williams (drums)

PROGRAM:

Heralded by Jazz Times Magazine, as “the Architect of a new commercially viable fusion,” Edison Award winning trumpeter Christian Scott comes to the Gatehouse for two nights of incredible music with his quintet.

The first evening features five new compositions that seek to build upon the “harmolodic” musical philosophy of the 60's Jazz innovators, using seamless compositional techniques that combine influences from musical forms as wide ranging as Modern Alt Rock and the Wassoulou music of West Africa. The evening will also include signature works from Scott’s 2007 and 2008 releases Anthem and Live from Newport.

On the second evening, the Christian Scott Quintet will premiere five new compositions showcasing a new harmonic form created by Scott using what he calls Forecasting cells and Rhythms of the Afro-Native American Tradition of New Orleans in addition to works from his 2010 release Yesterday You Said Tomorrow.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Christian Scott

Scott is heralded by Jazz Times Magazine, as “the Architect of a new commercially viable fusion“ and ”Jazz’s young-style God.” To audiences that revel in his sound, the jazz trumpeter is simply a magnanimous and captivating player.

The critically-acclaimed and Grammy-nominated flugel horn player and trumpeter is a musical force to be reckoned with in the world of jazz. Since Scott was 13-years-old, this jazz lion has toured regularly with his uncle, notable saxophonist Donald “Duck” Harrison, Jr.  He completed his music education at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.

His family name is a benchmark in the rich history indigenous to Louisiana’s culture and heritage -– the Mardi Gras Indians. As a child, Scott masked with his grandfather, the late Donald Harrison, Sr. and his uncle, “Duck.”  This culture dates back to the early 1800s. Scott's distinct haute couture style of dress, influence by his culture, has garnered him recognition in magazines such as L'uomo Vogue, Vogue Italia, The Source & King Magazine.

“The trumpeter is the progenitor of the ‘whisper techniques,’” states National Public Radio. "Christian Scott ushers in a New Era of Jazz. By manipulating his breathing temperature and articulation he can procure a sound unlike the trumpet, and more like a whispering human voice,” praises the station.

At age 14, Scott auditioned for and was accepted into New Orleans Center of Creative Arts (NOCCA). He studied under the directors of the jazz music program, Clyde Kerr, Jr. and Kent Jordan. At the age of 15, Scott’s first recorded composition Young Blood appeared on the charts. Graduating with honors, Scott then decided to study at Berklee College of Music, where he studied under the direction of Charlie Lewis, Dave Santoro, and famed Vibraphonist Gary Burton.

In 2006 Scott earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. He has five critically acclaimed discographies to date: Yesterday You Said Tomorrow (2010), Live at Newport (2008), Anthem (2007), Rewind That (2006), and Christian Scott (2002).

BEHIND THE SCENES:

Christian Scott is a young Harlem-based musician who is helping to push the legacy of jazz forward. This is essential to Harlem’s legacy. His concerts are part of our Harlem Stride series, which celebrates jazz. His work is also reflective of the innovation that we seek to showcase through Uptown Nights.  Scott’s music is politically active, socially relevant and sets the stage for discourse on form, culture and identity. He has a keen sense of history and performance with his artistry and creates works that move both form and discourse forward.