tag:davidthornescott.com,2005:/blogs/news-546642b7-63ef-4ac9-9d86-b1ce81c99bedNews2023-04-28T14:38:46-04:00David Thorne Scottfalsetag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/71987852023-04-28T14:38:46-04:002023-10-16T10:57:01-04:00David Thorne Scott named April Artist of the Month<p>Thanks to the Somerville Arts Council for naming me the April Artist of the Month. There is a lovely feature written by Charan Devereaux at this link →<br>https://somervilleartscouncil.org/artistmonth/thornscott</p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/70511442022-09-01T15:38:58-04:002022-09-01T15:38:58-04:00Musical about John Maynard Keynes <p>I’m beginning work on a musical play about John Maynard Keynes. I’m a songwriter and lyricist looking to collaborate with a book writer. </p>
<p>John Maynard Keynes was a man of contrasts. He had the mind of a brilliant economist but the heart of a bohemian who felt the love of money was a “disgusting morbidity.” He was a patriotic Englishman who helped FDR beat the Great Depression in the USA. An uninhibited gay man who fell in love with and married a ballerina. An optimist of sunny disposition who prophesied the tragedy of World War II. He was the father of modern macroeconomics who tried – and failed – to save capitalism from itself. </p>
<p>Keynes and the other men and women of the Bloomsbury Set scandalized bourgeois London society. They were brilliant artists and thinkers living in a commune where the only taboo was jealousy. Wild parties and polyamorous intrigue were commonplace, as were passionate debates about love, art and – after their friends started dying in World War I – politics as well. </p>
<p>Keynes called out stupidity, greed and hypocrisy as he pursued social justice, peace, stability, and prosperity for all. He was admired by many as a common-sense revolutionary, but attacked as naïve by neoliberals from the right and socialists from the left. </p>
<p>I’m searching for a book writer to help me dramatize the question of Keynes’ life: how do you work in the world of money and power while living for love and keeping the faith of your dearest friends? </p>
<p>About me: I’m an experienced singer, pianist, bassist and songwriter in jazz, rock and classical styles (see www.davidthornescott.com). My songs emphasize storytelling, prosody, singable melody, and distinctive harmony. I have never written a musical play, so I’d like to team up with someone with experience writing for the theater. </p>
<p>If you are interested in collaborating on this project, please get in touch. I’m happy to privately share scores and demo recordings of my music beyond what is available on my recorded albums. </p>
<p>David Thorne Scott </p>
<p>thornewood@gmail.com</p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/70452072022-08-24T17:17:37-04:002022-08-24T17:17:37-04:00Which tunes are originals?<p>I like to mix up cover songs, standard jazz tunes, and original music in my albums and performance. Sometimes I get the question of which is which? Which is totally flattering if someone thinks I wrote, say, a Cole Porter song :-)</p>
<p>Anyway, here is the list of original songs on my commercially available albums:</p>
<p>THORNEWOOD</p>
<ul> <li>Fall Into You</li> <li>The Dark Side</li> <li>Deciding Where to Land</li> <li>Grow</li>
</ul>
<p>SINGLE - Stronger Every Year</p>
<p>SINGLE - If I Was In Jail</p>
<p>HOPEFUL ROMANTIC</p>
<ul> <li>The Sign On My Door</li> <li>Who Doesn't Want To Fall In Love?</li> <li>Too Late</li> <li>More Than One Way</li> <li>Wisdom From Truth</li> <li>Crossing the Line</li>
</ul>
<p>SHADE</p>
<ul> <li>Shade</li> <li>Small Feats (lyrics only)</li> <li>Get Out Of Your Own Way</li> <li>Clown Stalking</li> <li>I See You</li>
</ul>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/69355122022-03-29T22:01:31-04:002022-03-29T22:01:31-04:00Creating a Music Scene<p>What is a scene? </p>
<p>Music does not take place in a vacuum. Music is at its best when it brings people together. We have lost venues in the past couple of years, like Johnny D's and Ryles. But it isn't the venue that is the magic. It's not even the music that is the magic. </p>
<p>It is the scene. </p>
<p>What is a scene? A scene exists when you go someplace because you know the music will be great even if you have never heard of the performers. A scene is social. Food and drink are important. Meeting new friends is important. </p>
<p>Music is an important part of a scene. Music brings your heart and mind together better than therapy. Music brings you together with strangers better than Tinder. Music heals your soul and helps you sleep at night better than Ambien. </p>
<p>I've been lamenting the loss of venues over the last few years. But my thinking has only been clarified: music's job is to bring people together. I decided to put my efforts where my heart is. I partnered with the great folks at the Center for Arts at the Armory to start a new music series. Details are below. I want this to be the kind of evening where you always feel confident that you are going to have a great time. You are going to feel something. You are going to think something. You will come out just a little bit different than how you came in. </p>
<p>Sound interesting? Read on. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Songwriters in the Round </strong></span></p>
<p>Wednesdays, April 6th and April 20th, 7pm-8:30pm <br>Arts at the Armory Café <br>190 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA <br>Tickets are $10 at the door </p>
<p>Four songwriters, trading songs and swapping stories. And you have a front row seat. </p>
<p>Four songwriters take the stage, seated in a comfortable semi-circle. They take turns playing songs, occasionally joining in with each other on harmony vocals or guitar licks. The format encourages conversation between the writers, which gives the audience an opportunity to hear these creative people talk as if in their own living rooms. Inspired by the "guitar pulls" of the legendary Bluebird Café in Nashville. </p>
<p>Hosted by Somerville singer/songwriter David Thorne Scott. Held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. </p>
<p>Part of the ROOTED Armory Café Series. Café menu is available here: https://artsatthearmory.org/rooted-cafe/rooted-menu/ </p>
<p>Beer and wine also available! </p>
<p>You might hear a young up-and-coming pro, an established mid-career performer and mentor, and a cherished elder of the scene -- all sharing music. The growing relationships will warm your heart and enrich your soul. Come every week as the lineup shifts and new friends are made. </p>
<p>April 6: David Thorne Scott, Eric Marcs, Emily Sangder <br>April 20: David Thorne Scott, Eric Marcs, Emily Sangder, Peter Eldridge <br>May 4: David Thorne Scott, Eric Marcs, Kristin Cifelli, Peter Eldridge<br> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/e3d196d22be569efe810e4aeb6180e93a30ddc69/original/songwriters-in-the-round-series-poster-03292022d.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/68444112021-12-17T14:43:52-05:002021-12-17T14:43:52-05:00sign up for my mailing list!<!-- Begin Mailchimp Signup Form -->
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<!--End mc_embed_signup-->David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/68376952021-12-11T15:18:44-05:002021-12-11T15:18:44-05:00On the passing of Stephen Sondheim.<p>Gail Leondar-Wright and Joseph Mullholand wrote this beautiful song to symbolize the one minute during which the lights would dim on Broadway to mark the passing of Stephen Sondheim. I was fortunate to get to record it. Listen here:</p>
<p>https://youtu.be/snJiJljkP0I</p>
<p> </p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/67121102021-08-10T10:26:56-04:002021-08-10T10:26:56-04:00Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival - August 29th<p><a contents="Lineup for Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival on Aug. 29https://mailchi.mp/cc694a8a4dbe/sjs-jazz-festival-issue-july-28-2021" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://mailchi.mp/cc694a8a4dbe/sjs-jazz-festival-issue-july-28-2021" style="">Lineup for Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival on Aug. 29</a></p>
<p><a contents="Lineup for Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival on Aug. 29https://mailchi.mp/cc694a8a4dbe/sjs-jazz-festival-issue-july-28-2021" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://mailchi.mp/cc694a8a4dbe/sjs-jazz-festival-issue-july-28-2021">https://mailchi.mp/cc694a8a4dbe/sjs-jazz-festival-issue-july-28-2021</a></p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/67066102021-08-04T11:58:37-04:002021-08-04T11:58:37-04:00Healing America through music<p>I get it. Sounds like hubris. </p>
<p>"Healing America through music"? Who do you think you are, Scott? </p>
<p>Well, I look around and it seems like this American rural/urban divide is only getting more intense. My hometown of Kearney, Nebraska has a lot in common with my where my friend Rick lives in Western Massachusetts, and Omaha actually has quite a bit in common with Boston. But neither side has much to say to the other. </p>
<p>In order to make a change, we have to start by "looking at the man in the mirror." (thanks Michael Jackson). We need to start seeing others "as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.” (thanks Charles Dickens) </p>
<p>So how to change our hearts and minds? Well, at this task music has proven to be as effective as anything. </p>
<p>I'm asking you, my friends, to sit down, pour yourself the beverage of your choice, and open your ears. My album "Thornewood" is available on youtube, spotify, apple and bandcamp. If it speaks to you, share it with your friends and acquaintances, even those you don't normally have much in common with. </p>
<p>So can we heal America through music? Let's find out.</p>
<p>More info click <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://mailchi.mp/34c360c8098e/healing-america-through-music" target="_blank">here</a></p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/66442542021-05-30T15:45:04-04:002021-05-30T15:46:50-04:00"Jazz Weekly" review by George W. Harris<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/439add0b75fe65cb29410fff810acf679c3b8ddd/original/screen-shot-2021-05-30-at-3-43-29-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Check out this new review of Thornewood by George W. Harris of Jazz Weekly!</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.jazzweekly.com/2021/05/david-thorne-scott-thornewood/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.jazzweekly.com/2021/05/david-thorne-scott-thornewood/">https://www.jazzweekly.com/2021/05/david-thorne-scott-thornewood/</a></p>
<p>"With an ability to mix ingredients like Bobby Flay, tenor toned David Thorne Scott successfully blends all three options on this recent album of songs that are either fresh, or freshly interpreted." - <a contents="MORE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.jazzweekly.com/2021/05/david-thorne-scott-thornewood/">MORE</a></p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/66210212021-05-04T10:02:43-04:002021-05-04T10:04:11-04:00Livestream concert - 50th birthday party<p>Okay so I admit I wasn't really super looking forward to turning 50. So how to make the best of it? Invite my (vaccinated) friend and super-pianist Mark Shilansky over and perform a concert! It was streaming on ATAC160.org.</p>
<p>Missed it? That's okay. Here's the video below, or watch it on <a contents="Youtube" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/xGemLOZZYCY">Youtube</a></p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="xGemLOZZYCY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/xGemLOZZYCY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xGemLOZZYCY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/65948222021-04-05T15:06:47-04:002021-04-05T15:07:57-04:00Metrowest Daily News feature<p>Thanks to Ed Symkus for this lovely feature in Metrowest Daily News!</p>
<p>"Scott’s incredibly flexible, wide-ranging voice is, of course, at the center of “Thornewood,” which runs, stylistically, from a cool, jazzy, spare cover of John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High” to a ballad-like version – with a country element – of Townes Van Zandt’s “If I Needed You” – done up as a duet with Paula Cole. Also on the program is the swinging original “The Dark Side,” which bursts into a scatting session, and Scott’s tender “Grow,” a deeply emotional song he wrote just after the birth of his first child, who is now 15."</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/04/05/david-thorne-scott-celebrates-release-new-album-thornewood-april-13/4837793001/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/04/05/david-thorne-scott-celebrates-release-new-album-thornewood-april-13/4837793001/">https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/04/05/david-thorne-scott-celebrates-release-new-album-thornewood-april-13/4837793001/</a></p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/65594482021-02-26T10:47:58-05:002021-02-26T10:47:58-05:00Singing the songs from "Thornewood"<p>My new jazz/americana album "Thornewood" dropped in January 2021. Of course Covid means I can't tour to promote it, so I decided to play a concert from my living room. Here are all the tunes from "Thornewood" in track order.</p>
<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gR-L4Hcagwk" width="560"></iframe></p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/65597062021-01-28T15:15:00-05:002021-02-26T15:01:57-05:00Eponymous interview<p>Laurie Fanelli says:</p>
<p>At a time of great conflict in our country – when words often fail us – music has the power to bridge divides. With his latest album Thornewood, released earlier this month, David Thorne Scott explores the intersection of Jazz and Americana, city and country, instrumentation and lyrics to create lush compositions and covers that are unifying, and healing, in their beauty.</p>
<p><a contents="Go here for the full interview" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.eponymousreview.com/6946/qa-david-thorne-scott-thonrnewood/?fbclid=IwAR1ltfes9GWqRy_4IsrbU4vcbutVPGPvn2cFebkkt73--0wLWy9f3BSHw5I" target="_blank">Go here for the full interview</a></p>
<p> </p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/65781012021-01-24T15:00:00-05:002021-03-18T15:13:43-04:00The Arts Fuse<p>Thank you Evelyn!!!</p>
<p>“On his terrific recently released album Thornewood, Boston’s own David Thorne Scott lets loose his gorgeous tenor voice on an eclectic lineup of Americana and jazz tunes by the likes of Townes Van Zandt, John Denver, Cole Porter, and Harold Arlen, along with a group of beautifully crafted originals.” - Evelyn Rosenthal</p>
<p>https://artsfuse.org/220777/shelter-in-place-attractions-january-24-through-february-9-what-will-light-your-home-fires/</p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/65781002021-01-15T15:15:00-05:002021-03-18T15:09:34-04:00Feature in Medleyville<p>Hey friends, check out the new feature in Medleyville.</p>
<p>“If you like jazz singing and you come to one of my shows and I throw in a country tune, there’s still the voice, and there’s still the story”</p>
<p>http://medleyville.us/01-2021-the-voice-and-the-story-david-thorne-scott-feature/</p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/65163272021-01-08T09:34:33-05:002021-01-08T09:34:33-05:00"Thornewood" album released today<p>Hello friends! I am very excited to release my new album "Thornewood" today. This project is special because it blends jazz and Americana music in an exciting new way. We can all agree that we need to bridge that rural/urban divide in this country, right? Well take a listen. I want jazz fans to love the mournful hollow tone of wide-open spaces. And I want fans of Americana music to love the electric crackle of city nights.</p>
<p> </p>
<iframe style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 42px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=224484096/size=small/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="https://davidthornescott.bandcamp.com/album/thornewood">Thornewood by David Thorne Scott</a></iframe>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/65028422020-12-18T14:23:56-05:002020-12-18T14:23:56-05:00JAZZIZ Magazine posts an exclusive song premiere <p>We are marching toward the release of my upcoming album "Thornewood" on January 9th. The first single was released as an exclusive premiere on American Songwriter a few weeks ago.</p>
<p>Today, <a contents="JAZZIZ Magazine" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.jazziz.com/fabrice-lecomte-cecile-mclorin-salvant-jana-herzen-and-more-new-release-cheat-sheet/" style="">Jazziz Magazine</a> releases the second single, "If I Needed You", featuring the stunning Paula Cole. Here's the <a contents="link" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.jazziz.com/fabrice-lecomte-cecile-mclorin-salvant-jana-herzen-and-more-new-release-cheat-sheet/">link</a> or you can download a PDF <a contents="here" data-link-label="JAZZIZ exclusive song premiere" data-link-type="file" href="/files/1097170/JAZZIZ%20exclusive%20song%20premiere">here</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-----</p>
<p>JAZZIZ Magazine, Dec. 18, 2020</p>
<p>Discover great new music this weekend with our weekly roundup of new songs and albums! This week’s New Release Cheat Sheet features new music by Fabrice Lecomte and Cécile McLorin Salvant, David Thorne Scott, Jana Herzen and more.</p>
<p>by Matt Micucci</p>
<p>David Thorne Scott, “If I Needed You” feat. Paula Cole [Song Premiere] </p>
<p>Vocalist David Thorne Scott blends jazz and Americana on his forthcoming album, Thornewood, and includes this reinterpretation of Townes Van Zandt’s haunting composition, “If I Needed You,” featuring special guest Paula Cole. Thornewood, due out on January 8, 2021, is also motivated by a desire to pacify the Red State Vs. Blue State thinking of the United States. “I want jazz fans to love the mournful hollow tone of wide-open spaces,” says Scott. “And I want fans of Americana music to love the electric crackle of city nights.”</p>
<p>https://www.jazziz.com/fabrice-lecomte-cecile-mclorin-salvant-jana-herzen-and-more-new-release-cheat-sheet/</p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/65028332020-12-18T13:53:47-05:002020-12-18T13:53:47-05:002nd single now out!<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/916771933%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-yTP0H2P2M3N&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;">
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/thornewood" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="David Thorne Scott">David Thorne Scott</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/thornewood/if-i-needed-you-with-paula-cole/s-yTP0H2P2M3N" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="If I Needed You (with Paula Cole)">If I Needed You (with Paula Cole)</a>
</div>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/64837842020-11-23T09:26:29-05:002020-12-19T00:03:43-05:00American Songwriter posts an exclusive premiere single<p>Friends... exciting news! The first single from my upcoming album "Thornewood" has just been released as an exclusive premiere with American Songwriter. </p>
<p>Head on over there, read the article, and listen to "In the Still of the Night".</p>
<p><a contents="https://americansongwriter.com/premiere-david-thorne-scott-in-the-still-of-the-night-by-cole-porter/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://americansongwriter.com/premiere-david-thorne-scott-in-the-still-of-the-night-by-cole-porter/" style="">https://americansongwriter.com/premiere-david-thorne-scott-in-the-still-of-the-night-by-cole-porter/</a></p>
<p>Or <a contents="download article as a PDF" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://davidthornescott.com/files/1092681/american-songwriter-nov-20-2020-david-thorne-scott.pdf">download article as a PDF</a></p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/64837832020-11-23T09:21:21-05:002020-11-23T09:21:21-05:00Single here!<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/916771898%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-LhctBPCYbHy&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;">
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/thornewood" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="David Thorne Scott">David Thorne Scott</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/thornewood/in-the-still-of-the-night/s-LhctBPCYbHy" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="In the Still Of the Night">In the Still Of the Night</a>
</div>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/64510732020-10-07T15:37:53-04:002020-10-21T03:38:53-04:00now on Bandcamp<p>Hey, guess who's now on Bandcamp? The L.A. Times calls Bandcamp the "anti-Spotify" because they have a radically transparent and artist-friendly approach to royalties. Follow me by clicking the icon below.</p>
<p> </p>
<iframe scrolling="no" style="border: 0;width: 100%;height: 50px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/band_follow_button_deluxe/114745194"></iframe>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/63638412020-06-23T16:12:40-04:002020-11-05T06:06:27-05:00promo photos for new album release<p>I whipped up a couple of promo pieces based on amazing photography by Mark Ostow and Lauren Desberg. Which one do you like best?<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/5d05ea14b9be9d3fee5ea79cde72aecc13b6ac26/original/canva-collage-2.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/4285fd53006822a591b6929bd3e11233e3f173d7/original/canva-collage-1.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/91a1d60c9b00b7f5939156874b468cd31e405af7/original/canva-collage-3.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/63637172020-06-23T14:52:36-04:002020-09-26T03:11:40-04:00Interview with the Somerville Times<p>An interview with Doug Holder of the Somerville Times. Click <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thesomervilletimes.com/archives/100809" target="_blank">here</a><br>https://www.thesomervilletimes.com/archives/100809</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/129017a3a24e45549b2aa606cc12b5c8ca4a760d/original/screen-shot-2020-06-23-at-2-51-30-pm.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/63345822020-05-29T10:35:05-04:002021-01-08T08:37:58-05:00Advice to new jazz singers<p>Singers: practice with playalong tracks by singing the melody over and over, each time with slight variations. But how do you decide what and how to change? Pay attention to the lyrics. Find a special word, and try singing it a) suddenly louder b) suddenly softer c) longer d) shorter e) with a rougher timbre f) with a scoop or slide g) with a melodic ornament h) with a rhythmic pattern you hear in the drums i) with a different pitch you hear from the piano j) etc., etc., etc. Do this for the whole length of the playalong. Do it again. Take a break and do it a couple of times tomorrow too. And the next day. </p>
<p>Over time you may find yourself settling into a certain interpretation that is unique to you. You created it -- composed it -- through improvisation. Feels good, doesn't it?</p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/62704472020-04-03T10:59:22-04:002020-11-17T08:37:36-05:00Locked at home, still working on the album<p>So everyone is locked down and can't go anywhere. That doesn't mean music has stopped. Editing tracks remotely from the upcoming Thornewood album with my buddy Mark.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/478abd2ca4063cdbb9be5e7bb61dc5fbb4c829a5/original/dave-and-mark-on-protools.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/62130192020-02-12T10:31:57-05:002020-02-12T10:31:57-05:00Album progress<p>Hey there friends, just wanted to let you know about the progress on the album. Almost all of the instrumental and vocal overdubs are finished. Sara Caswell came in and laid down some stunning violin work. The folks over at Q Division in Somerville have been helping out with tracking vocals. Mark and I have been picking takes and doing some editing at Thornewood Studios. I think one more tracking session should do it!</p>
<p>Of course, then we have mixing to do. And then we get to the part that requires skills other than musical skills - promotion and marketing.</p>David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694742019-11-07T19:00:00-05:002019-11-08T03:22:33-05:00And now for the horn section
<p>I don't know how we got so lucky, but we did trumpet and saxophone tracking this week with Jason Palmer and Walter Smith III. Normally when you bring in new musicians to a session you have to explain the vibe/mood/approach to everything. Not with these two. They heard the basics and got golden takes right away. Should have taken 6 hours; finished in 3. I can't wait until you hear this stuff.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694732019-08-06T20:00:00-04:002019-11-08T03:20:14-05:00Lap steel tracking
<p>Kevin Barry is the master. I went to his house and recorded overdubs on my upcoming record. He played lap steel mostly, but at one point I said, "you know, I'm imagining sort of a baritone guitar sound here," and he jumped up and said, "let me go get mine! I never get to use that thing!" So beautiful. He plays lap steel like a theramin, moving his fingers and hands around in mysterious shapes that result in mind-bogglingly gorgeous sounds. His intonation is so so so SO excellent.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694722019-07-14T20:00:00-04:002020-12-03T00:22:46-05:00W.A. Mathieu lessons
<p>Thanks to a Berklee faculty travel grant, went to Sebastapol California to study with W.A. Mathieu. His concept of harmonic experience is changing my musical life, helping this jazzer see beyond 2-5-1's. What a dude this guy is. Absolute wealth of knowledge and WISDOM.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/40a41463b692db0bfce4628a0c04e4acd997c472/original/mathieu.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzY1eDQ5OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="499" width="365" /></p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694712019-06-26T20:00:00-04:002020-11-05T01:53:40-05:00QUEEN rock and roll
<p>Performed the music of QUEEN with the great vocalist MARC MARTEL and the BOSTON POPS orchestra at TANGLEWOOD.</p>
<p>OMG!!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/582b18c298d70d76b4e4aade4046ae0c7ff19bb5/original/photo-jun-27-8-35-33-pm.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="400" /></p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694702019-05-20T20:00:00-04:002019-11-08T02:54:43-05:00Tracking.....
<p>Starting work on a new album! This is going to be the best one yet, with unique versions of standards, some original songs. It will blend straight ahead jazz, early 1970s NYC grit, and wide open country spaces.</p>
<p>Piano: Mark Shilansky</p>
<p>Guitars: Kevin Barry</p>
<p>Basses: Marty Ballou</p>
<p>Drums: Austin McMahon</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/77161623271da7a3ee70dd6a508ceaa5116f876d/original/img-4849.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="400" /></p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694692019-01-21T19:00:00-05:002019-01-22T05:03:03-05:00Vintage Vocal Quartet in Littleton, MA - thanks!
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="476" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FIndianHillMusicCenter%2Fvideos%2F625044857969398%2F&show_text=0&width=476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="476" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694682019-01-14T19:00:00-05:002020-10-12T06:25:35-04:00Pedal steel guitar
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I can't hear pedal steel guitar without thinking of getting my hair cut with my dad.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">In the 1970s, I was growing up in Kearney, Nebraska. My dad and I would hop in his car, a sporty 2-door Chevy Monza, and put on the AM radio. Some catchy song like "Tie A Yellow Ribbon" would be on. At Galen's Barber Shop, he always had the country station playing. This wasn't the polished country-pop music of the 1990s. It was slower and sadder.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">When we arrived, dad would get his hair cut first. Galen was a massive man with a gentle voice. My dad, a physician, knew Galen and, it seemed, everyone else in our plains metropolis of 20,000 because they were his patients. People came to him with their health problems and he went to them for his car repairs and hardware and insurance. Not groceries: almost all the places to buy food in town were by now big supermarkets, though there was a standalone butcher shop for steaks, because you couldn't get Nebraska beef at Hinky Dinky. Dad knew everyone by name. "You might as well go visit the people in their place if they come visit you in yours," he said.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">When dad's haircut was finished Galen fired up his massage machine, a vibrating motor with two handles attached to a rectangular red leather pad, and rubbed down his shoulders for a few minutes. Then it was my turn.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The first time I ever went to the barber shop I was scared of the big barber and I cried. But now as a big boy I felt bad that I had judged Galen like that and hoped I hadn't hurt his feelings. I sat in his chair as he got out his scissors. Each time I came in now, he adjusted the chair and remarked how tall I was getting. I leaned back; relaxed. Conversation stalled and the music on the radio pushed through to fill the room. The ghostly keen of a pedal steel guitar penetrated me with its mysterious sorrows. I didn't even know what the instrument looked like, so the cutting electric warble was pure disembodied emotion. This wasn't for music for singing along with, this was music to make you sad. Why would you want music like that?</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I knew that people sometimes just needed to see my dad for a rash, but sometimes it might be something more serious like diabetes or arteriosclerosis. Sometimes he just needed a haircut, but sometimes he needed to replace the washing machine or get the roof fixed. And surely there were even more serious things still, things I knew nothing about, things that made you feel like they feel in the country songs.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Sitting in the barber shop I knew that some day Galen would adjust the seat all the way down and my shoulders would be big enough for the massage machine. Some day I would know people's names, people who weren't my family or close friends, and I would depend on these people and they would depend on me.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">And some day I would understand the big feelings that I heard in that pedal steel guitar.</span></p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694672018-12-18T19:00:00-05:002018-12-19T03:59:50-05:00New NEFA status for VVQ
<p>Fee support for <a id="m_-8195087475123032554LPlnk779249" class="m_-8195087475123032554OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.creativeground.org/profile/vintage-vocal-quartet" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.creativeground.org/profile/vintage-vocal-quartet&source=gmail&ust=1545313824633000&usg=AFQjCNEYQQBBBlid4G6GWFM0lmsj8H5HcA" data-imported="1">Vintage Vocal Quartet</a> may be available to nonprofit organizations through the New England States Touring (NEST) program of the New England Foundation for the Arts. Visit <a id="m_-8195087475123032554LPlnk943979" class="m_-8195087475123032554OWAAutoLink" href="http://www.nefa.org/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.nefa.org/&source=gmail&ust=1545313824633000&usg=AFQjCNFs4IGUOnfQGwUV4zAwAdEn3VhoAA" data-imported="1">www.nefa.org</a> for more information.</p>
<p>Find our artist profile on <a class="m_-8195087475123032554OWAAutoLink" href="http://www.creativeground.org/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.creativeground.org/&source=gmail&ust=1545313824633000&usg=AFQjCNGx9uEF1l2s5M9uZ89LpDTScbf80Q" data-imported="1">CreativeGround</a>.</p>
<p>Since VVQ is eligible of the <a class="m_-8195087475123032554OWAAutoLink" href="http://www.nefa.org/grants_programs/grants/nest_new_england_states_touring_grant" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.nefa.org/grants_programs/grants/nest_new_england_states_touring_grant&source=gmail&ust=1545313824633000&usg=AFQjCNFjO3oYifz_a9azprfLO3TxBAmc2A" data-imported="1">NEST grant program</a>, this means that nonprofit organizations from a New England state other than Massachusetts can apply for grant funding that may cover <strong>up to</strong> 50% of the artist fee for public performances and related community activities. </p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694662018-12-17T19:00:00-05:002018-12-18T06:54:04-05:00Love You Madly available for purchase
<p>The Vintage Vocal Quartet brings the big band era to life by singing while swinging on piano, guitar, bass and trumpet. Their debut album includes songs by Cole Porter, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, and more!</p>
<p>Buy yours at https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/vintagevocalquartet2</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694652018-12-09T19:00:00-05:002018-12-10T15:50:54-05:00The CD is here!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/2695e4d4c85493ce86429188e45b940b7a035e81/original/1500-cd-jacket-final.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="300" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/a0d381f6b881d4f6b58807e1bf109027e8123758/original/1500-cd-jacket-final-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="300" /></p>
<p>Here's a gift idea for the music lover in your life: the new CD of awesome swing music from the Vintage Vocal Quartet.<br><br>The Vintage Vocal Quartet's first studio album, "Love You Madly," shows off the group just as they are in performance: four people, playing instruments and singing. That's it. Lean and sleek swing music with no added filler.<br><br>The VVQ just got back from performing 6 sold-out shows in Hyannis with the <a href="https://www.capesymphony.org/tickets/2018-19-season/153-holiday-on-the-cape-2018" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Cape Symphony</a>.<br><br>You can get <a href="https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/vintagevocalquartet2" target="_blank" data-imported="1">digital recordings on CD Baby</a>, but you know you want the superior audio quality and tactile pleasure of a few physical CDs to stuff in stockings. You'll be supporting real musicians as well as getting some toe-tapping vocal harmony.<br><br>CDs are $20 each including shipping. Paypal address is thornewood@hotmail.com. Or send a check to Vintage Vocal Quartet, 63 Boston Street #2, Somerville, MA 02143. We'll pop it in the mail to you right away.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694642018-12-06T19:00:00-05:002018-12-07T04:01:43-05:00Holy Holidays, Batman!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/fd7020c02c6d8a9e0a41ac87c444f4251c180b9d/original/vvq-with-the-cape-symphony-2018.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTkxMHgxMzI0Il0%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1324" width="1910" /></p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694632018-10-31T20:00:00-04:002018-10-30T06:27:33-04:00Holidays on the Cape with VVQ
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/82c22c57cdf8fcea0b067f4e40b22099acaacd08/original/screen-shot-2018-10-30-at-1-10-15-pm.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDEyMSJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="121" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="600" /></p>
<p>Look for us this month with the Cape Symphony! </p>
<p>The VVQ features unique arrangements of traditional songs plus new classics in styles ranging from toe-tapping swing, smooth bossa nova and uptempo gospel. </p>
<p>Soon It's Gonna Snow<br>I'll Be Home for Christmas<br>Let It Snow/Winter Wonderland Medley<br>The Christmas Song <br>Snow!<br>Go Tell It On the Mountain<br>Silver Bells</p>
<p>https://www.capesymphony.org/tickets/2018-19-season/153-holiday-on-the-cape-2018</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694622018-10-14T20:00:00-04:002018-10-30T06:12:45-04:00Recording finished!
<p> Vintage Vocal Quartet has finished recording their new album! Now for the final mixing and mastering and manufacturing. Thank goodness we have Tim Bongiovanni from Northgate Productions holding our hand for this. You're going to love it -- it's a collection of classic swing tunes from the 1930s and 1940s. Watch this space for more news.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694612018-08-13T20:00:00-04:002018-09-21T07:52:28-04:00VVQ in the studio
<p>Vintage Vocal Quartet is hitting the studio to record our first CD! How about that? Songs will include favorites like Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree, Stardust, Don't Fence Me In, and many more. We hope to have all the vocals recorded by the end of the summer, then mix in September for an October release!</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694602018-07-31T20:00:00-04:002018-08-08T07:03:33-04:00New single released
<blockquote class="embedly-card">
<h4><a href="https://davidthornescott.hearnow.com/" data-imported="1">Stronger Every Year</a></h4>
<p>This tender ballad from singer/songwriter David Thorne Scott is a Valentine to that special person in your life who only seems to get better as they get older.</p>
</blockquote>
<script charset="UTF-8" type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js"></script>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694592018-03-08T19:00:00-05:002018-03-09T05:30:07-05:00The Living Room Sessions are underway
<p><strong> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong>: March 9, 2018</p>
<p><strong> CONTACT</strong>: David Thorne Scott, <a href="mailto:thornewood@gmail.com" data-imported="1">thornewood@gmail.com</a>, (617) 833-3931 </p>
<p align="center"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline"></span></strong></p>
<p align="center"> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline">Singer, Songwriter, and Multi-Instrumentalist David Thorne Scott Releases First Video Album “The Living Room Sessions”</span></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>SOMERVILLE, MA — Vocalist David Thorne Scott of Somerville, Massachusetts is releasing his first video album, entitled “The Living Room Sessions”. Individual videos are being released on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_-lLMaW3D8&list=PLUnIYgEQ2IsWeqzc3KnwGPlbMI4EECF2j" data-imported="1">YouTube</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DavidThorneScott/" data-imported="1">Facebook</a> every other Friday until the entire eleven-song project is completed in June.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The album is comprised of intimate, unedited performances recorded in Scott’s living room. Many are performed solo, and some are performed with one or two collaborators.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Scott’s original songs are in turn mysteriously oblique and earnestly heartfelt, while his adaptations of songs by Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney, Emmylou Harris and Paul Simon are fresh and unique. Add several creative interpretations of jazz standards into the mix, and you have “The Living Room Sessions”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The videos display Scott as a singer but also as a pianist and bassist. On several tracks Scott is joined by longtime friend and musical collaborator Mark Shilansky, who adds virtuosic keyboard skills and harmony vocals. Eric Byers brings his guitars into the living room to provide an Americana twang to a Cole Porter song and to flesh out some of the rock-inspired songs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“In two afternoons we recorded eleven tracks, and I never even had to leave the house!” says Scott. “The simplicity of the approach fits my long-time goal, which is to connect with one listener at a time.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Scott was born and raised in Nebraska, but his pursuit of deeper musical understanding brought him to Florida for a Master’s Degree in jazz vocal performance from the University of Miami. He relocated to the Boston area and began teaching at the Berklee College of Music, where he is a Professor in the Voice Department. He has performed regionally as a soloist and with groups such as the Boston Pops, the Capital Jazz Orchestra, Syncopation, and the Vintage Vocal Quartet, in venues such as Club Passim, Scullers, Ryles, and many regional arts centers. Previous recordings include "<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/shade/102098340" data-imported="1">Shade</a>" (a "Top 5 CD of the Year" by the Jazz Education Journal) and "<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hopeful-romantic/509046929" data-imported="1">Hopeful Romantic</a>” (produced by Platinum-award winner Anthony Resta).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DavidThorneScott/" data-imported="1">https://www.facebook.com/DavidThorneScott/</a></p>
<p>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_-lLMaW3D8&list=PLUnIYgEQ2IsWeqzc3KnwGPlbMI4EECF2j" data-imported="1">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_-lLMaW3D8&list=PLUnIYgEQ2IsWeqzc3KnwGPlbMI4EECF2j</a></p>
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David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694572018-02-15T19:00:00-05:002018-02-16T05:21:41-05:00Kudos from the Mosesian Center
<p>Thanks for all who came out to see the Vintage Vocal Quartet on Valentine's Day!</p>
<p>"Excellent performance from all, and the audience was really appreciative of the musicianship!" -John Baboian, Mosesian Center for the Arts</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694562018-02-01T19:00:00-05:002018-02-02T05:53:19-05:00February with the Vintage Vocal Quartet
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<p>The Vintage Vocal Quartet is performing in the great <a title="why is Massachusetts a Commonwealth?" href="http://www.mass.gov/anf/research-and-tech/legal-and-legislative-resources/why-is-massachusetts-a-commonwealth.html" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Commonwealth of Massachusetts</a> this month.<br><br>Hopefully we have a show near you. If not, do you think you could make the trip? We’d love to see you!<br><br></p>
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<h3>Some smoochin' in store for Valentine's Day</h3>
but single people are welcome too!
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.mosesianarts.org/index.php/shows/mosesian-live/vintage-vocal-quartet" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Mosesian Center for the Arts</a></li>
<li>321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02172</li>
<li>Wednesday, February 14, 7:30</li>
<li>
<a title="click here for tickets" href="https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/10242783" target="_blank" data-imported="1">tickets</a> $22/$20/$17</li>
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<h3>Wooden resonance in Westford</h3>
<p>Hear music resonating through this all-wooden venue</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://westford.org/pca/?page_id=237" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Parish Center for the Arts</a></li>
<li>10 Lincoln Street, Westford, MA 01886</li>
<li>Saturday, February 17, 7:30 p.m.</li>
<li>
<a title="click here for tickets" href="https://prod.mkat.com/mktixrun/shared/mknporun?dir=mktix.MKT-20.PCA-E60278&Event=PCA-E60278&page=mk2eventregisterfrm.jsp#.WnSq3ZM-fEY" target="_blank" data-imported="1">tickets</a> $22/$20 ($6.50 teens)</li>
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<h3>In the heart of beautiful Newburyport</h3>
<p>Stroll out for a great view of the harbor</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.firehouse.org/see-a-show/239-vintage-vocal-quartet" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Firehouse Center for the Arts</a></li>
<li>1 Market Square, Newburyport, MA 01950</li>
<li>Saturday, February 24, 7:00 p.m.</li>
<li>
<a title="click here for tickets" href="https://tickets.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=b245dda9c15b378644a5b9ac38f7fee9&vqitq=9a5f334b-16ee-4d7e-8daf-66541da93b62&vqitp=0f19d969-9293-4e4e-a98e-aa979294f027&vqitts=1517592835&vqitc=vendini&vqite=itl&vqitrt=Safetynet&vqith=8e67e344e45d49fb6fd9578be8b69fb1" target="_blank" data-imported="1">tickets</a> $15/$13</li>
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David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694552018-01-25T19:00:00-05:002018-01-26T04:26:25-05:00Distractions
<p>Next installment in "The Living Room Sessions" is "Distractions", a lovely tune by Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney. Mark Shilansky on piano, Eric Byers on guitar, Dave Jamrog on video and audio.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w8mDfT1ctZk" width="425" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694542018-01-11T19:00:00-05:002018-02-02T04:51:01-05:00Another You
<p>Starting to release new videos, recorded in the intimacy of my living room! "The Living Room Sessions" kicks off with a jazz standard, There Will Never Be Another You.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T_-lLMaW3D8" width="560" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694522018-01-04T19:00:00-05:002018-01-05T09:14:40-05:00Heading to APAP!
<p>The Vintage Vocal Quartet is the first ever "Artist Member" of American Performing Arts Professionals, can you believe it? We will be heading down to NYC next week to partake in the annual conference of APAP. If you're at APAP too, give me a buzz at thornewood@gmail.com or 617-833-3931.</p>
<p>https://www.apap365.org/Conference</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694532017-12-14T19:00:00-05:002018-01-05T09:16:31-05:00Prepping the Leonard Cohen show
<p>Working with pianist/arranger Mark Shilansky to develop a new show for the Vintage Vocal Quartet, a tribute to Leonard Cohen. Demo tracks will be available soon!</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694512017-12-01T19:00:00-05:002017-12-18T04:18:54-05:00VVQ orchestral recording
<p>Going into the studio today with my peeps the Vintage Vocal Quartet to record some of our holiday pops repertoire. Shout outs go to Gerhard Guter for realizing the awesome orchestrations of Kenji Kikuchi, as well as my former student and a cappella maven Tim Bongiovanni who will be producing the vocal session. His new studio is amazing!</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694502017-10-30T20:00:00-04:002020-11-12T02:32:31-05:00Essential vocal versions of My Funny Valentine
<p>There are hundreds and hundreds of versions of My Funny Valentine on Spotify. I looked through them and found what I thought were the most important vocal versions and put them in this playlist. You're welcome!<br><a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/thornewoodmusic/playlist/3mMo84RxmHa1kQT1ec6Nrr" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank" data-ft="{" data-lynx-mode="async" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fuser%2Fthornewoodmusic%2Fplaylist%2F3mMo84RxmHa1kQT1ec6Nrr&h=ATOLn3Zdg9wvVu_gMOQgeWAeBiVKat4cjWLS89_F0V1x1IqcqJo7t7hfPOgEDFFUM8R2eFGK1cjmicU3bdzs0xTIXHpQE0752_6CVU37kPg-epfN67hh0st0PHgtWHICpHPQO2TCZaDvs14a0YasX-q3PbtnQ0tMVim2jL_ao2S6J-zsUMuV50wmHbxQZFAan21_gj186o-LDNdaPRD0VQzsQfnYnzr4W-vIaJYtCXglMgh-WYBbP8Qul5x-MUbG8Wa5OJDDPcw0eSXyR3YuaJue4G4BsQys5T-5CfGyphCdAA" data-imported="1">https://open.spotify.com/user/thornewoodmusic/playlist/3mMo84RxmHa1kQT1ec6Nrr</a></p>
<p>Rodgers and Hart would be proud!</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694492017-09-14T20:00:00-04:002017-10-20T03:48:18-04:00Dancing to the swing music
<p>The Vintage Vocal Quartet now plays dances! We put together a modified set list to satisfy lindy-hoppers for shows at the Dance Hall in Kittery and at the Watertown Arsenal Arts center. We had to tweak our set because a few of our ballads were too slow and a few of our uptempo songs were too fast, but we have been getting advice from dancers, as well as drummers and other sources like <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dancing.org%2Fmusic.guidelines.html&h=ATMWhPeqDsc3YRIZS0SZzMkOTnn0b1Tge9CZYWyaG5cDpsbWXILHRFnBtlqg_zCB5DB_4TWsy_yYWGI_UZVAd7RLb8-JaSA_4tbXG05vNf2hbp6bHD0mu00tjW2ibZ9CkwdH0BiIckxtxWlN" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://www.dancing.org/music.guidelines.html</a></p>
<div class="_aok"><span class="_3oh- _58nk"> </span></div>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694482017-08-31T20:00:00-04:002017-10-20T03:44:43-04:00Armory Sweet Armory
<p>The Somerville Armory is our home away from home this month. A show on September 10 should be a blast, and then we are getting together with Dave Jamrog to record some performance videos in the big room in a few weeks. We haven't done a new video in a while (not since Adam joined the band) so this will be a great way to show what we are up to, and how we sound now. Hoping that down the road we will have enough video recordings to put them together on an EP to sell at shows.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694472017-05-27T20:00:00-04:002017-10-20T03:42:38-04:00Shirley you jest
<p>Thanks to everyone who came to have dinner and see our show at the Bull Run in Shirley! This place is legendary but believe it or not this was the first time I had been there. Hope to be back for another show soon.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694452017-05-25T20:00:00-04:002017-05-26T03:23:36-04:00Vintage Vocal Quartet in Maine
<p>Just got back from an awesome little tour with the Vintage Vocal Quartet in Maine! The group is clicking, everyone is singing and playing great, the weather was awesome, good audiences... no complaints!</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694582017-05-19T20:00:00-04:002018-02-23T09:30:03-05:00Unity College
<p>"Vintsge Vocal Quartet -- Thank you for an AMAZING show! You all have such talent, we were SO fortunate to have you!" -Sarah, Unity College Center for the Performing Arts</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694462017-05-15T20:00:00-04:002017-05-26T03:25:20-04:00video shoot
<p>Dave Jamrog came over to my house with all his gear and we recorded a bunch of stuff in my living room. We did live audio and video of 10 different songs, with guest appearances by Mark Shilansky and Eric Byers. Some originals, some standards, some Elvis Costello stuff... look for the videos to start hitting late this summer!</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694442016-12-14T19:00:00-05:002017-01-04T05:41:16-05:00Indian Hill
<p>Thanks to those who came to our Bach's Lunch concert at Indian Hill Music! The Vintage Vocal Quartet had an unbelievably supportive audience. Since the show was during the day, we could watch as people mouthed along the words on songs like "Don't Fence Me In" and "Stardust". Hope to see you again at the Indian Hill fundraising gala May 13th.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694432016-12-01T19:00:00-05:002017-01-04T05:39:24-05:00Melrose Symphony
<p>Can't wait to sing with the Melrose Symphony next week! New original arrangements, orchestrated by Kenji Kikuchi. With the Vintage Vocal Quartet too!</p>
<p>http://www.melrosesymphony.org/holidaypops</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/d3dfde3a57757374efed86e06469799ce75e7f85/original/static1-squarespace.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NzUweDM4MSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="381" width="750" /></p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694422016-09-04T20:00:00-04:002016-09-05T13:42:29-04:00What key do you sing it in?
<p>Q: What key do you sing in in?</p>
<p>A: The original, I guess . . .</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This answer is almost always wrong. The reason is because until you have tried the song in a few keys you can't say for sure. And most people just don't go to the trouble.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Take the advice of my friend and colleague Donna McElroy here . . .</p>
<p>http://donnamcelroy.net/2016/09/cover-tunes-and-your-best-key/</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694412016-08-14T20:00:00-04:002016-08-18T05:12:05-04:00It's supposed to be hard
<p>For everyone who is going back to school soon, especially my new Berklee students, please remember this line from “A League of Their Own” (written about baseball, but can be applied just as well to music): </p>
<p>“It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everybody would do it. The hard is what makes it great.”</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/ba6504b7f6f22eb12d672b356e7258b04f9ade64/original/667ab60271a6c8c1d72e2c36aa65f8f0.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTY0eDU2NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="564" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="564" /></p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694402016-08-10T20:00:00-04:002016-08-11T04:56:22-04:00Back to school with Donna McElroy
<p>Aspiring singers: read Donna McElroy's blog!</p>
<p>Here is her <a href="http://donnamcelroy.net/2016/07/organize-your-songs/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">latest post</a>.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694392016-04-13T20:00:00-04:002016-04-14T03:38:26-04:00New VVQ video
<p>Thanks to the Four Freshmen for arranging this classic Bobby Troup tune.</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P9jvoixJD60" width="560" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694382016-02-06T19:00:00-05:002016-02-07T02:31:18-05:00Vocalogy tour under way
<p class="p1">Hello Friends!</p>
<p class="p2">The <a href="http://vocalogy.simpl.com/" data-imported="1">Vocalogy</a> tour is going swimmingly so far. We got stuck in the snow on the way to perform at the New Hampshire All-State Jazz Festival. We met thousands of teenagers at the Berklee High School Jazz Festival.</p>
<p class="p2">Today is the day of the big contest. All season long, the sides have been preparing, refining, testing. Yes, it's the 2016 Crepe-Off. Who will win, John's recipe or mine? More eggs, or more flour, or a balanced attack? How much sugar, if any? Which toppings add or detract? Chocolate? Berries? Butter and sugar? Does anyone have the courage to go plain? Time will tell.</p>
<p class="p2">With the breaking of the day tomorrow, we resume our march through New England. We only have two public events, so make sure you come to one of them.</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Monday, February 8</p>
<p class="p1">7:00 - 8:30pm</p>
<p class="p1">Wellesley High School Katherine L. Babson Jr. Auditorium.</p>
<p class="p1">50 Rice St, Wellesley, MA 02481</p>
<p class="p1">The opening act for this concert will be the most excellent Wellesley High School Rice Street Singers under the direction of Kevin McDonald.</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Tuesday, February 9</p>
<p class="p1">8:30-11:30pm</p>
<p class="p3"><a href="http://www.rylesjazz.com/" data-imported="1">Ryles Jazz Club</a></p>
<p class="p1">212 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139</p>
<p class="p1">Get your $15 <a href="http://ryles.interticket.com/arrivalorder.php?eid=3384&aid=4&vid=4" data-imported="1">tickets</a> on-line or at the door</p>
<p class="p1">At Ryles, Vocalogy will get a chance to stretch out. In addition to our harmony vocal tunes, we will feature some soloists. In Los Angeles, <a href="https://web.csulb.edu/depts/music/areas/choral-vocal-opera/christine-guter.php" data-imported="1">Christine Guter</a> can often be heard performing with her trio, with big bands, and on many film scores (you have probably heard her voice if you've been to the movies lately). She will be offering up some music from her book of cool jazz interpretations. Yours truly (David) will be singing tunes you may have heard from the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hopeful-romantic/id509046929" data-imported="1">Hopeful Romantic</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dyad/id267430152" data-imported="1">DYAD</a> albums. And we will have one more guest sit in on a few songs, the fabulous singer, pianist, and songwriter <a href="http://petereldridge.com/" data-imported="1">Peter Eldridge</a>. (Peter sings with a group called <a href="http://newyorkvoices.com/" data-imported="1">New York Voices</a>.)</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">After that we finish off the tour at some events not open to the public, including school performances and the <a href="http://acdaeast.org/boston/" data-imported="1">American Choral Directors Association conference</a> in Boston (also appearing: the amazing <a href="http://www.roomfulofteeth.org/" data-imported="1">Roomful Of Teeth</a>!). Choral director friends, please come say hi.</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Whew! Then that's it for a while. Much needed rest to follow :-)</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694372015-12-06T19:00:00-05:002015-12-07T01:06:30-05:00VVQ Single available for purchase: Undecided
<p>It's here! Click the link to purchase the first single by the Vintage Vocal Quartet, "Undecided"</p>
<p><a style="display: inline-block; background: url(https://CDBaby.name/v/i/vintagevocalquartet_small.jpg) 117px 9px no-repeat, url(http://www.cdbaby.com/Images/Links/linkmkr_btn5grey_buymp3s.png) no-repeat; background-size: 100px, 100%; height: 120px; width: 225px;" title="Vintage Vocal Quartet: Undecided" href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/vintagevocalquartet" target="cdbaby" data-imported="1"></a></p>
<p>Our version is based on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghVQ1TjZa20" target="_blank" data-imported="1">recording by the Delta Rhythm Boys</a>, led by <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1987/07/21/obituaries/lee-gaines-73-a-jazz-singer.html" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Lee Gaines</a>. Gaines was a fantastic vocalist and lyricist. Perhaps his greatest claim to fame is writing the words to Billy Strayhorn's "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXBgSJ14z0k" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Take the 'A' Train</a>". He is probably the swinging-est bass vocalist I've ever heard.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694362015-11-30T19:00:00-05:002015-12-01T06:28:49-05:00Audio Advent Calendar from @DavidScottJazz
<p>Every day this month I will be posting a link to a rare historic audio recording of a Christmas carol. Think of it as an audio advent calendar. These recordings are from the amazing collection hosted by University of California at Santa Barbara. They have digitized thousands of wax cylinder recordings from 1877 to 1929.</p>
<p>This will only be happening on my Twitter feed. Follow me at @DavidScottJazz for a musical treat every day before Christmas!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/c2a8cdb20f4cb55dddf7db8aaac113e33cadc505/original/busybee.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDkweDM1MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="350" width="490" /></p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694352015-11-29T19:00:00-05:002015-11-30T02:09:32-05:00New video - Vintage Vocal Quartet "Undecided"
<p>This video by the Vintage Vocal Quartet has been up less than a week and as of now has over 700 views. Please check it out, like, comment, subscribe, share, all that stuff.</p>
<p>Most importantly, ENJOY!</p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gp9Q2VlsAC4" width="425" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694332015-11-12T19:00:00-05:002015-11-12T03:37:54-05:00New track on Spotify
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify%3Aalbum%3A75RzFVi0VXEh5mAViDUQZ4" width="300"></iframe></p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694342015-11-11T19:00:00-05:002015-11-12T03:36:26-05:00If I Was In Jail
<p class="p1">I would love you to hear my new song, "<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/davidthornescott2" data-imported="1"><span class="s1">If I Was In Jail</span></a>". Available for purchase as a single, but also available as an EP, with acoustic and instrumental versions. This is something really different than anything I've done before. Call it "Dark Americana". I hope you enjoy it.</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/davidthornescott2" data-imported="1">http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/davidthornescott2</a></span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">"If I Was In Jail" explores the loneliness at the heart of modern life. It was written in a hotel room on the road, far from friends and family, where the fantasy of apartness met the reality. "As a teenager I loved 'I Am A Rock' by Paul Simon because even though on the surface the song is about independence, the dark power of loneliness lurks directly underneath," Scott said. This flavor of independence about to be devoured by loneliness, suffuses "If I Was In Jail".</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">This music farms a homestead at the confluence of four American rivers: jazz, rock, blues, and country. </p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Produced by David Thorne Scott with help from Anthony J. Resta and Karyadi Sutedja.</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Featuring Catherine Bent, cello and Anthony J. Resta, guitars</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/davidthornescott2" data-imported="1">http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/davidthornescott2</a></span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">I would love your feedback on this song. Say hi at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DavidThorneScott/?ref=hl" data-imported="1"><span class="s1">Facebook</span></a> or follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidScottJazz" data-imported="1"><span class="s1">Twitter</span></a>. If you like it, spread the word! That's how new music gets discovered these days: by YOU.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694322015-11-08T19:00:00-05:002015-11-09T01:30:51-05:00VVQ performance at SNAP
<p>The SNAP benefit concert yesterday was a treat. What a great audience for the Vintage Vocal Quartet! And the SNAP chorus performance was inspirational. Check out their <a href="http://www.snapsing.org/index.php" target="_blank" data-imported="1">website</a> -- this is a magical organization. We are proud to have been a part of their event.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694312015-09-13T20:00:00-04:002015-09-14T03:33:01-04:00Jazz stuff this week
<p class="p1">Hello Friends,</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">A few jazz performances from the upcoming week, in Newton and Cambridge. Hope to see you!</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">P.S. Making good progress on the new band, the Vintage Vocal Quartet. We recorded the audio and video of a new tune last week, hope to have it up on YouTube soon! Check my <a href="http://davidthornescott.com/" data-imported="1"><span class="s1">website</span></a> under the tab "VVQ" for personnel and more info.</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">--------------</p>
<p class="p1">Friday, September 18th at 8:00 p.m.</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">The New England Jazz Enrichment Foundation is proud to present "100 Years of Frank & Billie" as part of the Newton Jazz Festival...</p>
<p class="p1"> </p>
<p class="p1">Come celebrate the musical contributions of Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday during this their centennial birthday year... featuring vocalists Dale LePage, Lydia Harrell, Tracy Clark, David Thorne Scott and trumpeter/vocalist Christine Fawson along with pianist Mark Shilansky, Keala Kaumeheiwa on bass and Steve Langone on drums... </p>
<p class="p1"> </p>
<p class="p1">Silent Auction with items donated by the Boston Red Sox, Boston Marriott Hotel at Burlington, ARTBoston, Hot Stove Cool Music tickets, original artwork from Watercolors by Shah, original artwork by Dale LePage, gift certificates to area restaurants and a whole lot more! Bring your checkbooks!</p>
<p class="p1"> </p>
<p class="p1">Newton Veterans Memorial Auditorium</p>
<p class="p1">City Hall</p>
<p class="p1">1000 Commonwealth Ave.</p>
<p class="p1">Newton, MA</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2">Tickets ON SALE Now at <a href="http://nejef.tixclix.com/1621" data-imported="1"><span class="s3">http://nejef.tixclix.com/1621</span></a></span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s3"><a href="http://www.newtonjazzfest.org/" data-imported="1">www.newtonjazzfest.org</a></span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">-----------</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Tuesday, September 22, 8:00 PM</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">A new jazz vocal series, curated by Celia Slattery, is starting on Tuesdays this fall at Ryles Jazz Club. I'll be kicking off the series along with Debbie Lane and Mark Shilansky.</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">I'll be singing of course, but this will mark my Ryles debut on electric bass as well. Wish me luck and fleet fingers!</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Ryles Jazz Club, 212 Hampshire Street, Cambridge</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Tickets: $7. Available at the door or online. </p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2">For more info: <a href="http://celiaslattery.com/studio_events/" data-imported="1"><span class="s3">http://celiaslattery.com/studio_events/</span></a></span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s3"><a href="http://www.rylesjazz.com/" data-imported="1">http://www.rylesjazz.com/</a></span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">David Thorne Scott</p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s3"><a href="http://www.davidthornescott.com/" data-imported="1">www.davidthornescott.com</a></span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694302015-08-27T20:00:00-04:002020-09-10T01:32:45-04:00My three masters
<p class="p1">Here's something you should know about me: I serve three masters. That might sound like two too many, but it's how life has worked out for me.</p>
<p class="p1">The first master that I serve is my loved ones. My wife, my children, my family, my friends and community. When I serve them well, it is a selfless service. When I serve them well, I give to them, and try not to expect anything in return.</p>
<p class="p1">My second master is Berklee College of music. This is a selfish service. Let me try to explain what I mean. Berklee College of music is, in reality, nothing more than a piece of paper in a filing cabinet. Somewhere back in the history of humanity, we agreed that we could pretend that something which does not exist, exists. We give it a name and treat it as if it were real. This is called a legal fiction. Every corporation and nonprofit is a legal fiction.</p>
<p class="p1">To digress here for a moment, you are not a legal fiction. I am not a legal fiction. You and I are real, living, flesh and blood creatures. Our names, however, are fictions. We have all agreed to refer to the sum of my existence as "David Scott", but of course a name can not sum up my entirety. So my name is shorthand for a real living thing. Many young people conflate their existence with the shorthand for their existence (read <a href="http://terebess.hu/english/AlanWatts-On%20The%20Taboo%20Against%20Knowing%20Who%20You%20Are.pdf" data-imported="1">Alan Watts</a> for help escaping this alienating trap).</p>
<p class="p1">The name "Berklee College of Music" is shorthand for a piece of paper in a filing cabinet. So my second master is a piece of paper. It makes sense that my service of this piece of paper is entirely selfish. My service of Berklee College of music gives me the things I need in order to serve my other two masters. For example, the money that I earn from serving Berklee goes to give important things like food and shelter to my loved ones.</p>
<p class="p1">I haven't yet spoken of my third master, but I can tell you that the other things that Berklee provides help me serve that third master. Berklee provides me pianos that are in tune, classrooms, meeting spaces, hot and cold running water, a library, recital halls, paper, whiteboards, and photocopy machines. It also gives me a community of other musicians and teachers, staff that keep the whole place running, and students. I need these facilities and I need these groups of people in order to serve my third master.</p>
<p class="p1">Now finally, to the subject of my third master. This master is called music. When I serve music correctly, it is a selfless service. I do not know for sure how music wants me to serve it, so on any given day, or in any given year, I can only take my best guess. One way I believe that music wants me to serve it is by spending my time on it. I offer chunks of time in order to obtain what little fragments of music I can. I also believe that music wants me to listen, in order to better love and understand its many forms. I believe music wants me to show it off to others for their pleasure and to music's greater glory. I also believe that music wants me to teach other musicians what I have learned about it.</p>
<p class="p1">When a student comes to my class, I do not ask them to serve me. I ask them to join me in offering time, thought and heart to my master, music.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694292015-08-24T20:00:00-04:002015-08-25T06:40:57-04:00New Berklee classes for the fall semester
<div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline">----------------------</div>
<div>
<div>ENVC-322-005 Vocal Jazz Choir</div>
<div>"Vintage Vocals"</div>
<div></div>
<div>Dig Postmodern Jukebox? Try a premodern jukebox on for size.</div>
<div></div>
<div>This four- to ten-voice group explores the breadth of vocal jazz ensemble music of the mid-20th century, when the big bands were the cat's meow. We start in the ‘30s with the Mills Brothers and Boswell Sisters; through the swing era with the Modernaires and Pied Pipers; through 50’s bebop with Lambert, Hendricks & Ross.</div>
<div></div>
<div>By performing transcriptions and listening to classic recordings, students internalize classic jazz styles, harmonies, and arranging techniques.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Contact David Scott now at dscott@berklee.edu to audition.</div>
<div></div>
</div>
<div>Class meets Monday 5-6pm and Thursday 4-6pm</div>
<div>------------------</div>
<div></div>
<div>ENVC-242-001 Vocal Improv Ens 2: Jazz</div>
<div></div>
<div>Improve your improv! This is an intermediate ensemble for vocalists focusing on improvisation in the jazz idiom. Topics include articulation and groove, melodic and rhythmic phrasing, embellishments, using tone colors, hearing basic instrumental patterns, blues patterns, vamps, turnarounds, and II-V progressions.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Berklee has been building better singers through blues and bebop since before you were born. You got this. </div>
<div></div>
<div>Prerequisites: ET-112, HR-112, and ENVC-111; or overall ensemble rating 3</div>
<div></div>
<div>Contact David Scott now at dscott@berklee.edu for more information.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Class meets Monday 11am-1pm.</div>
<p> </p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694282015-07-27T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00The Dudes of the VVQ
<p>These guys, doing some playing and singing at our Vintage Vocal Quartet rehearsal the other day.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/a07fee9f032e38557005d1463e7c3727614d681c/original/img-1661-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AW10%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_1661.jpg_resized" /> Daniel Henderson, of "Jazz For Cows" fame, playing hot trumpet and singing tenor.</p>
<p>Paul Pampinella, of "Five O'Clock Shadow" and "Vox One" (aka the best vocal group to ever exist), swinging on guitar and singing baritone. Fun times ahead!</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694272015-06-28T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Wedding March
<p><span style="color:#141823; line-height:17.5636348724365px">Ever heard an all-female wedding march? </span><a class="_58cn" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/acappella?source=feed_text&story_id=837933656282978" data-imported="1"><span class="_58cl" style="color:#627aad">#</span><span class="_58cm">acappella</span></a><span style="color:#141823; line-height:17.5636348724365px"> </span><a class="_58cn" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mendelssohn?source=feed_text&story_id=837933656282978" data-imported="1"><span class="_58cl" style="color:#627aad">#</span><span class="_58cm">mendelssohn</span></a><a class="_58cn" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/samesexmarriage?source=feed_text&story_id=837933656282978" data-imported="1"><span class="_58cl" style="color:#627aad">#</span><span class="_58cm">samesexmarriage</span></a><span style="color:#141823; line-height:17.5636348724365px"> </span></p>
<p><a style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;" rel="nofollow" href="http://ow.ly/OVRVO" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://ow.ly/OVRVO</a></p>
<p>Coming soon to SMPJazz.com</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694262015-06-24T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00It's called a pitchpipe
<p><a href="https://imgflip.com/gif/neutz" data-imported="1"><img src="https://i.imgflip.com/neutz.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>#pitchpipe #acappella</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694252015-06-20T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Gunther Schuller
<p>RIP Gunther Schuller. <span style="color:#141823; line-height:17.5636348724365px">He was still going strong, folks. I saw him at Symphony Hall recently when they played one of his newer works, "Dreamscape". It was trippy and funny and engaging. I will never forget hearing him describe his "education": wake up at 8am, head to the NY public library for reading and score study, maybe catch a film in the afternoon, then head to the Met, play french horn for an opera, then go to 52nd street to hear some jazz, jam and talk with the jazzers afterwards until 4am, repeat.</span></p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694242015-06-11T20:00:00-04:002020-10-23T07:17:08-04:00Why aren't there more lawsuits since "Blurred Lines"?
<p class="p1">In my little corner of the music business, it is important to be thought of as a nice person. You never know who you're going to work with next, and being a good hang is often part of the gig.</p>
<p class="p1">I think this collegiality is the only thing stopping everyone in the music business from suing each other. Since the blurred lines verdict came down for Marvin Gaye, it seems that everybody can think of a laundry list of examples that should be litigated. And yet no one does it. At least not yet. Why not?</p>
<p class="p1">Ahmad Jamal and the Poinciana beat.Miles Davis doing Bye Bye Blackbird as a jazz tune. Who was the first person to do my funny Valentine has a funk tune, anyhow? We could name a hundred of these examples.</p>
<p class="p1">These are all arrangements that have been copied endlessly. And yet you don't see a line of lawsuits.</p>
<p class="p1">If Marvin Gaye's estate gets $7M for a cowbell pattern, what has stopped this thing from escalating out of control? My answer is that, in general, musicians see themselves as part of a musical community spanning the time and space. They don't want to pee in the pool, so to speak.</p>
<p class="p1">If only every line of work had this ethic.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694232015-05-22T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00fun pop music
<p>Getting ready for the East Enders gig and transcribing Uptown Funk. Lovin' it.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392882/675b063237950a65fc4a892adced28ee34ee6e96/original/uptown-funk-vocal.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTcxeDQ2NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Uptown_Funk_VOCAL.jpg" height="467" width="571" /></p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694222015-04-30T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00VVQ at ESCS
<p>Thanks to Diane Cline with <a href="http://www.sistemasomerville.org/" data-imported="1">El Sistema Somerville</a> for bringing the Vintage Vocal Quartet to perform at East Somerville Community School today. The kids made a great audience and asked excellent questions at the Q&A. I hope we convinced a few of them that singing and playing an instrument are mutually beneficial, and super fun.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694212015-03-24T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00I knew it!
<p>Here's an <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509805/" data-imported="1">article</a> that confirms something I have long taught: when your voice is tired, it's okay to phonate! Just be careful!</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694202015-03-22T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00DYAD shows
<p class="p1">New music and new gimmicks for <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dthornescott3" data-imported="1"><span class="s1">DYAD</span></a> are rearing their heads this spring, mixing memory and desire, stirring dull roots with spring rain. We are adding songs by Samuel Barber and Hall & Oates. <a href="http://www.markshilansky.com/" data-imported="1"><span class="s1">Mark Shilansky</span></a> (recently featured on <a href="http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2015/02/12/mark-shilansky-fretful-porcupine" data-imported="1"><span class="s1">NPR</span></a> and in the <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2014/10/30/mark-shilansky-fugue-mill/bMO81saC5Jpoe12I1TRVTL/story.html" data-imported="1"><span class="s1">Boston Globe</span></a>) is singing and holding down the piano seat while I sing and play assorted instruments (bass, mandolin, and trumpet). Following a concert for the 30th anniversary of the <a href="https://www.ccmusicschool.org/" data-imported="1"><span class="s1">Concord Community Music School</span></a> last week, we will be doing shows in Jamaica Plain (Boston) and Somerville. Check 'em out.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694192015-03-20T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00CCMS
<p>Last night I performed at the <a href="https://www.ccmusicschool.org/" data-imported="1">Concord Community Music School</a>. This is a non-profit music center that serves 1,600 students and gives out loads of scholarships for lessons and ensembles. It is their 30th anniversary celebration and many alumni of the program came back to perform including <a href="http://thetipsheet.typepad.com/the_tip_sheet/2014/09/fiddle-playing-stars-off-to-top-music-programs-this-fall-1.html" data-imported="1">Audrey Budington</a> and<a href="http://www.markshilansky.com/" data-imported="1"> Mark Shilansky</a>. I was blown away by the community support and love this program gets, and by the tireless dedication of the founder and director, <a href="https://www.ccmusicschool.org/index.php/about-the-concord-community-music-school" data-imported="1">Peggy Senter</a>. Here's to another 30 years!</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694182015-02-17T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00New band coming soon
<p>After performing with the vocal ensemble The Four Freshmen on several tours in 2014, I was amazed by the passionate fan base for vintage vocal group music. The Freshmen all play instruments and sing in four-part harmony, which makes them appealing to audiences and also economical as a touring entity. I am launching a new quartet comprised of 4 singer/instrumentalists to showcase the work I have been doing over the last several years at Berklee; namely, transcription and performance of vocal ensemble music of the big band era. Stay tuned!<br>In the meantime, enjoy these <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0362E61E25184929" target="_blank" data-imported="1">vintage vocal group videos</a>. </p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694172015-02-04T19:00:00-05:002020-11-10T00:50:45-05:00Little Pony transcription
<p>Just finished work on a vocalese piece for my students. Little Pony was written by Neil Hefti and recorded in 1951 by Count Basie's band. The tenor saxophone solo by Wardell Gray was lyricized by the great Jon Hendricks, who recorded it on "Sing a Song of Basie" with Lambert, Hendricks and Ross.</p>
<p>You can see and hear the transcription at a slow tempo <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJuzasKU0to" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a>.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694162014-12-03T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Singing while sick - tips
<p class="p1">Sometimes students say they are "too sick to sing" because they have a cold, and they let their practice slide. Even when you are struck by the common cold, try 2 things:</p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">mental practice. Imagine yourself singing the pieces, see how many mistakes you make. Do it in real time. This helps, believe it or not!</li>
<li class="li1">slow, low, gentle warmups like humming, oo, ee. Use only the easiest part of your range and concentrate on getting clarity in your tone.</li>
</ul>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694152014-11-15T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Taylor House Friday
<p>DYAD is a fun project I have been doing with Mark Shilansky for a few years now. We do all kinds of music, jazz pop, originals, all with a fresh, intimate, interesting take. We love this music and it shows. Live at the Taylor House, Jamaica Plain, MA this Friday.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694142014-11-05T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00So you want to come to Berklee?
<p class="p1">I received an email from a student who is planning to attend Berklee. The student asked me for advice on the school. Here's my response.</p>
<p class="p1">-------</p>
<p class="p1">Hi [prospective student],</p>
<p class="p1">I'm glad to hear you are pursuing your interests at [community college]. I went to a community college myself and it's a great bargain.</p>
<p class="p1">Students who do the best at Berklee tend to have a passion for music that makes them not realize they are "missing out" on other things (like a social life). They tend to come in with a great deal of knowledge about one style but are open to exploring others. They don't think of classes, homework, rehearsals, etc. as a chore but as an adventure. They understand that sometimes you learn the most when you try, and fail.</p>
<p class="p1">Berklee is a big school (4000+ students), which is its strength and its weakness. There are so many choices for teachers, courses and peer groups that no matter what your focus you will find others who have the same. The weakness of Berklee's size is that no one will hold your hand through the program unless -- emphasis here -- unless you ask them to. You have to understand when you need help and have the confidence to go get it.</p>
<p class="p2">Best of luck to you,</p>
<p class="p2">David</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694132014-10-02T20:00:00-04:002020-09-23T06:26:33-04:00Where are the DIY music patrons?
<p>This month's issue of <a href="http://digitaleditiononline.com/publication/?m=27630&l=1" data-imported="1">JazzEd</a> magazine (page 32) has an interview with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvin_Jones" data-imported="1">Elvin Jones</a> from 1971. His voice on the page sparkles with life and intelligence, the same way his drumming did when I saw him at the <a href="http://www.regattabarjazz.com/" data-imported="1">Regattabar</a> more than 10 years ago.</p>
<p>He speaks to the music scene in Detroit when he was coming up. I'll quote him here (emphases mine):</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">There was an elderly man then who was a jazz patron of the arts, you might say. He was quite walthy and had retired from business. He used to run one of Ford's plants in Ohio, as the general manager or something like that. He lived in Royal Oak, Michigan, so he used to come to the Bluebird a lot. <strong>He decided that he wanted to sponsor concerts</strong> like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Granz" data-imported="1">Norman Granz</a>. He asked Thad and me to get some musicians together and from there we would see about hiring a hall, get publicity out, and put on a concert. <strong>So we did it.</strong></p>
<p>I love the do-it-yourself attitude here. An individual who felt that music was important to the culture of his community spent his own money, talked to some musicians and made it happen. Elvin doesn't say whether the concerts made or lost money, but surely that was not the point.</p>
<p>In the United States today, there are surely no shortages of individuals with the wherewithal to sponsor concerts and the passion to encourage the growth of music that builds intelligence, soul, and culture. Are they out there?</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694122014-06-04T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Posting shows again
<p>Hello Friends! I want to apologize for neglecting my performance postings on this site. I have been announcing my shows only on Facebook for a while, which was a mistake. Not everything needs to fly under that banner.
I have a few exciting shows coming up this month, and I'd love to see you at one or more of them.
June 8: Press Room, Portsmouth, NH
June 15: Nave Gallery, Somerville, MA
June 18: Andiamo, Newburyport, MA
June 22: Amazing Things Performing Arts Center, Framingham, MA
June 27: Demeters Steakhouse, Portsmouth, NH
Check out the Calendar section of this site for more info.
Jazz and creative music! It's worth your time.
Love,
David</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694112014-03-26T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Wyoming All-State
<p>Had a wonderful time at the 1st Annual (right Ben?) Wyoming All-State Jazz Festival! The cats in the band were Ed, Ben, Scott and Matt -- great players, made it look easy. The high school students worked their tails off for two days and ended up swinging their way through 4 songs. Met lots of nice people -- is there such a thing as an unkind Wyoming-ian? Maybe, but I didn't meet one.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694102014-01-03T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Maine All-State
<p>I worked with 32 of the sweetest kids you'll ever meet at the Maine All-State Jazz Choir. They worked up 4 arrangements: Stardust, the Waters of March, I Thought About You and Sing For Your Supper. 3 days of pretty-much-constant rehearsal and exposure to my frantic search for vocal jazz perfection and they all kept their sanity. Made some new friends, made some good music.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694092013-11-22T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Singing with Paula Cole!
<p>Got to sing with 4 amazing singers: Paula Cole, Yumiko Matsuoka, Steven Santoro and Tom Baskett.
Check out the video:
http://youtu.be/AFmO19yiyjA</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694082013-08-28T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Open letter to the Canadian government
<p>Dear Mr. Kenney,
I read with dismay in the Calgary Herald that the Canadian Government is making it much more expensive for Canadian venues to hire musicians from outside the country. While I have long respected Canada's promotion of its sovereign music business and support of Canadian artists, this kind of protectionism is not in Canada's interest. Canada has a lot of talent to share with the world, but isolating Canadian musicians from international musicians in this way will deter the artistic and commercial growth of both groups. As a musician from the U.S., I and many of my colleagues will look elsewhere for performance opportunities. To this you might perhaps say, "Good riddance!", but I can tell you that Canadian audiences will be the poorer for missing the opportunity to hear us.
I hope that the government changes course and creates a more welcoming environment for musicians from outside Canada.
Sincerely,
David Thorne Scott</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694072013-08-02T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Ali Amr at Newport
<p>Congrats to my former students Ali Amr and Elisa Lomazzo for their performance at the Newport Jazz Festival. Long live qanun!</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694062013-06-24T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Berklee Vocal Summit
<p>Wow! 211 students from all over the world came to the Berklee Vocal Summit over the past few days to learn from Berklee faculty and from each other. Thank you for making this event such a big success! As the director of the Vocal Summit, I am grateful to all the faculty and staff from Berklee that made things go click and BOOM.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694052013-05-27T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00El Sistema Benefit
<p>Concert with the amazing Matt Glaser for the El Sistema Somerville music education program. These people are the real deal. Diane Cline has done incredible things for music in my town in just 9 short months.
http://www.sistemasomerville.org/</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694042013-05-01T20:00:00-04:002020-08-31T02:55:06-04:00Late night bike in the rain
<p>On my way home from a private event I got caught in a minor downpour on my bike. I also discovered a great way to get to Somerville from downtown Boston. Go through the North End into Charlestown and then UNDER the Zakim Bridge to the Museum of Science. A beautiful blue-lit totally empty zippy ride.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694032013-04-02T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Singing Bach
<p>Great trip to Bethel, Maine with Syncopation! Two concerts with lots of improvisation and high-wire hijinks. I debuted my performance of the Bach Cello Suite #1 Prelude (check my Soundcloud page for a recording).
https://soundcloud.com/thornewood/cello-suite-1-prelude-vocal</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694012013-02-21T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Taylor House - no mic, no problem
<p>Still my favorite place to perform. Taylor House is a gorgeous little B&B in Jamaica Plain with a "chamber music" series. I was doing a "DYAD" show with the estimable Mark Shilansky, and we decided to try something different. In December I performed as a singer/pianist at a private holiday party where there was no PA, but they wanted me to sing and play piano. For years, I would never have considered singing jazz unamplified, but I gave it a try and to my surprise it went great! So Mark and I decided to play "unplugged" at Taylor House. I'm so glad we did. Talk about an intimate experience, for us and for the audience. We gotta try that one again sometime.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693992013-02-12T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Meta-Beat
<p>Performed with Mark Shilansky and his incredible band at the Berklee Performance Center. He calls it "Meta-Beat". He takes Beatles songs and does twisted things to them (like taking the freak-out groove from Tomorrow Never Knows and putting it under the sweet song This Boy). Really exciting stuff. Marty Ballou and Les Harris Jr. are my favorite pair of rhythm section players. They fit like hand in glove.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694002013-02-10T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Peter Eldridge visit
<p>Peter Eldridge came to visit my Berklee improv class today. What a sweet, encouraging, thoughtful, talented guy. My students were on air afterwards. Thank you Peter for your music and your example!</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61694022013-01-13T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Musicianship for Singers
<p>Steven Santoro and I gave a presentation at Berklee about our new class, Musicianship for Singers. This class is meant to be a lab where singers gain mastery of the knowledge and skills they learned in Ear Training and Music Application and Theory. Students practice melodic and rhythmic patterns using solfege, music notation, technology and musical instruments of choice to help connect the ear, the analytical facilities, and the voice. We got lots of good feedback and ideas from the other faculty members. I think this class is here to stay: the students who take it say it is a big help to them.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693982012-12-02T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Scat lick in 12 keys
<p>Here's Deborah Pierre and I demonstrating a scat lick in 12 keys. The lick is from Michele Weir's awesome book, "Jazz Vocal Improvisation".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84cKqD4QYWw</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693972012-11-08T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Vocalogy tour California
<p>Here's a video clip from Vocalogy's concert/workshop at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA.
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<embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/4614522968559" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="1" width="634" height="360"></embed></object></p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693962012-10-12T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00One single rose
<p>Some people wanna spend their life going from flower to flower
I just wanna find one single rose and go way down deep</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693952012-09-10T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00New instructional video
<p>I've begun making little instructional videos for singers who want to improve their skills. They are posted on Youtube.com/thornewood. My newest one is How to Count Off A Song. Check it out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lHr5HpEGPo</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693942012-07-31T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Come talk to me
<p>I believe that singers can be the highest form of musician, though they are often considered the lowest. A singer's great gift is that their instrument is their body. This allows them to express themselves with great flexibility and power. It also means that singers can deeply "hear" every note they sing (not necessarily true among instrumentalists). The problem is that many singers don't care enough to expand their musical vocabulary by training their ears, voices, and analytical skills. Some singers feel that if the audience applauds, they do not need to improve. For those who do want to improve, come talk to me. It is my life's work to improve my own musicianship and to improve the musicianship of other singers.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693932012-07-09T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Interview link
<p>Check out this interview with the producer of my album "Hopeful Romantic", Anthony Resta.
http://marshallterrillbookbuzz.blogspot.com/2012/06/resta-retrospective-with-progressive.html</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693922012-06-27T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Vocal Summit
<p>What an exhilarating week at the Berklee Vocal Summit! I got to meet amazing, interesting students from all over the world, with all sorts of different talents, and who all are absolutely passionate about singing. Singing really does bring people together. The atmosphere was friendly, everyone was eager to learn, and the pace was INTENSE. The faculty for this event are staggeringly talented and eager to share with young people. I really couldn't be more pleased. Thanks to everyone who participated, and I hope to see you again next year.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693912012-06-17T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Press Room Beatles Jazz
<p>Okay, so I did a show last night at the Press Room with a band led by Mark Shilansky. The conceit of the evening was Beatles songs, re-imagined. We did "This Boy" in the style of "Tomorrow Never Knows," to give one example. The experiment went so well we are thinking of making this a band, but we need a name for the project. Any ideas? Hit me up at dts@davidthornescott.com.
The name shouldn't sound like a Beatles cover band, because there are already many bands who can imitate the Fab Four to perfection. This is more of a reinterpretation. The audience for something like this is the overlap of jazz fans and Beatles fans. Let me know if you have a suggestion.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693902012-04-04T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00CD release party April 12
<p>Dear Friends,
After months of exhilarating work, the new CD is finished! "Hopeful Romantic" is a jazz/pop mixture of original songs that is unique. Some early feedback has compared it to Jamie Cullum or Donald Fagan.
There will be a CD release party April 12 at Ryles Jazz Club in Inman Square. Come celebrate with us and buy a copy of the CD. If you love the music, please support us by buying additional copies for your friends.
Thursday, April 12
Ryles Jazz Club
8:30 p.m.-midnight
$12
212 Hampshire Street
Cambridge, MA
http://www.ryles.com/event.cfm?event_id=6280
This night will be an epic three sets. Set 1 will be music from "DYAD", my 2007 recording of duets with the utterly original pianist Mark Shilansky. Set 2 will be music from the new CD, "Hopeful Romantic." I'll be playing piano and keyboards, while Eric Byers (guitar), Phil McGowan (drums) and Greg Loughman (acoustic bass) will be rocking out and singing background vocals. Set 3 will be all of the above musicians plus a special guest or two in an all-star jazz session. If you're there until midnight, you can sing Happy Birthday to me in four-part harmony. The best birthday present you could give is just coming to the show.
I'd love to see every one of you at Ryles on April 12. It will be a night that we won't soon forget.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693892012-04-04T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00"Hopeful Romantic" sneak preview
<p>The official CD release isn't until April 12, but here's something to whet your appetite...
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/davidthornescott</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693882012-03-26T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Free music!
<p>I've been revamping my "Music" page on my website after reading a blog by David Sumner.
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=41665&page=1
It got me thinking. The way I had set up my music page was meant to entice you to buy my CDs or digital downloads. The idea at the time was to give the listener a taste of each song so their curiosity will be piqued. But I think the result comes across as standoffish or, worse, like I'm hiding something. I'm proud of every recording I have done and there isn't a note I'm ashamed to broadcast to the world. And the listeners that enjoy my kind of music understand that recording music is an expensive process, and that if they have the means and inclination to support recorded music by purchasing copies of CDs for themselves and their friends, they should do it.
So, now: free music! Unlimited streaming available of every song in my catalog on the "Music" page. I hope that you enjoy it, and, if you're so inclined, to purchase some. It does a lot for a musician's morale to get a CD in the hands of someone who will appreciate it, not to mention the boost that one gets in negotiations with one's spouse about clearing room in the basement.
www.cdbaby.com/davidthornescott
P.S. CDBaby, though a great company, does take a $4 cut of every sale. If you want to truly support an artist, mail me a check and I'll send you what you want. Even better, come to a show and pick something up there!</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693872012-03-25T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Fascinating detail on Chet Baker
<p>"If you put chord changes in front of [Chet Baker], it didn't mean anything to him. He would say in a self-deprecating way, 'Well I don't know the chord changes to the song.' . . . We would go and sit in with bands, often playing until five in the morning, and any of the songs they would play, Chet knew. But he would ask a question that would puzzle the other players. 'What's my starting note?' he'd ask. They thought he was putting them on or something, but all he wanted was the first note on the trumpet so he would know where to start the piece. From there he could navigate any song by ear. Sometimes the other players would try to fool him. They might try to trick him by playing 'All the Things You Are' in E or 'Body and Soul' in B rather than D flat. But Chet would have no problems with doing that. It was the other musicians who ended up struggling—they had tried to give Chet problems, but they just caught up themselves." --Larry Bunker, as told to Ted Gioia</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693862012-03-22T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Oh boy...
<p>Okay, it's the moment you've all been waiting for. The new CD is finished! I have them in my hot little hands. Right now I'm sending out advance press copies to media outlets to generate a little buzz, but the official release date is April 12. The kickoff concert will be at Ryles Jazz Club in Inman Square with a fabulous band of Mark Shilansky, Phil McGowan, Eric Byers, and Greg Loughman.
Most musicians will tell you that when they finish a CD, they wish they could start all over again knowing what they know now. I have to say that Karyadi and Anthony and I worked this material over enough that I am actually completely satisfied with how it is. It's just like I wanted it to be. So now there are no excuses: it's out there and you can like it or not, but at least I can say it is what I meant to do.
(I hope you like it!)</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693842012-03-04T19:00:00-05:002020-11-30T02:16:55-05:00TEDxSomerville
<p>Great music and music talk at TEDxSomerville at the Armory yesterday! Michael J. Epstein was the house band and acted as Paul Shaffer to C. Todd's David Letterman. Marcus Santos rocked the place to the rafters. Echo Nest founder Brian Whitman blew minds with his new music distribution paradigm. Jenee Halstead serenaded with a glorious voice. Keith Whitman played live freely improvised electronic music.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693852012-02-26T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Faculty recital
<p>This week I got to perform at the Berklee Performance Center with some amazing singers -- my colleagues in the Voice Department! I'm so proud I get to work with these inspired, crazy talented people every single day.
Alison Wedding
Nichelle Mungo
Aubrey Johnson
Jeff Ramsay
Gabrielle Goodman
Jeannie Gagné
... and an amazing band of faculty and students. Way to go, guys.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693832012-02-19T19:00:00-05:002020-11-14T03:16:39-05:00Music teachers last forever
<p>Don Brewer, my junior high school band teacher, died recently at the age of 87. In eighth grade, I had never played jazz on the trumpet before, but he asked for volunteers to take a solo and I stepped forward. My knowledge of jazz at the time was limited to seeing Dizzy Gillespie on TV, so I figured all you had to do was get up there and wiggle your fingers. I was atrocious. But Don was nothing but encouraging. Now I am a professional musician and teach improvisation at the college level. I doubt I am as supportive as Mr. Brewer was, but I hope that I can come close.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693822012-01-12T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:0010 ways to support musicians
<p>Everybody loves to download, rip, stream and otherwise obtain recorded music for cheap or free. Nobody likes paying more than they have to for stuff. But how can you can support the artists who performed, recorded, and manufactured those recordings? How can you encourage them to keep on making music for you to enjoy?
Here are 10 easy ways, depending on your budget:
1. Throw a $5, $10 or $20 into the tip jar. The performers get a morale boost knowing they are appreciated.
2. Offer them that old amplifier, trumpet, piano or drumkit that has been gathering dust in your basement.
3. Buy an extra ticket for their show and bring a friend who has never seen the artist before.
4. Buy an extra CD (or 5, or 10) and give them to friends. You can ask the performer if they'll give you a volume discount.
5. Hire live musicians to perform at your private party or company event. It will make the event special and memorable to everyone there.
6. Take lessons on an instrument or voice from the artist. Most musicians also teach, and most enjoy working with motivated beginners.
7. Commission a song for a special occasion. This makes a one-of-a-kind gift which will be loved more and last longer than that kitchen gadget you were going to buy.
8. Host a house concert. Offer the performers a guaranteed minimum, and invite your friends to come listen. You can sell tickets or give them away.
9. Offer to take photos or video of the performers for their website.
10. Be a producer on the artist's next album by contributing $500, $1000, or $5000 toward expenses.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693812011-12-07T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Christmas Zaniness
<p>Last night was a hilarious night of music at the auditorium at the Marlborough Public Library. Syncopation performed holiday classics and a cappella favorites. But the best part of the night was the extemporaneous version of "Silent Night" done in the style of Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On". We also did "Rudolph" as a New Orleans second-line groove, and I told the story of a car trip gone horribly, horribly wrong as part of "Route 66". Thanks to all that made the night a big success, and thanks to the Marlboroughians (sp?) who packed the house despite the chilly wet weather.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693802011-09-07T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Bopnique
<p>Working on a project with the good folks over at Bopnique Musique: Anthony Resta and Karyadi Sutedja. The idea is a 6-song EP that features my singing, songwriting and keyboard playing. We have enlisted a lot of fine instrumentalists to put the material in the best possible light. It's starting to sound good.
The days and nights have been a lot of hard work and attention to detail. You want it to be perfect, but not too perfect, you know? It's kind of funny talking about things like "natural" when you have every music production tool invented by modern science, but music (whether "machine-assisted" or not) is natural. Humans choose what to put a frame around. Humans create art by deciding what art is.
The style of this music might be a surprise to some who have gotten to know me as a singer of jazz standards, but it doesn't feel like a departure of any kind. I love singing: classical, jazz, rock, whatever. I identify myself through my voice, and I like to keep my identity fluid so I don't get bored in life. Keep 'em guessing!
I want people to enjoy this music. It doesn't matter if it doesn't fit in a genre section of a record store, because guess what? There are no record stores anymore. All that is left is people enjoying music and hopefully choosing to support the artists they enjoy in a monetary way, so the artists can keep on creating. Keep listening, and check back for updates.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693792011-08-08T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00The Hopeful Romantic Project
<p>Hello Friends,
It's been a while since I have promoted any solo shows. Next week I'm doing some shows that are very special, a new project of my original music. I'm calling it David Thorne Scott and the Hopeful Romantics.
I have always written songs and tried to squeeze them in next to the jazz standards, but I've never done an entire show of original tunes until now. Frankly, I love discovering and interpreting great jazz songs so much, that I always felt my original songs didn't quite fit in. Some of them are straight-ahead jazz, but others have a more R&B sensibility that may surprise you. If I had to describe this music to you in brief, I would say: Jamie Cullum meets Don Draper. Sexy, jazzy, and confident.
I'll be singing from the piano, and with me will be a band of exciting newcomers. Bassist Will Cafaro, guitarist Mark Hadley, and drummer Jazz Robertson are outstanding young musicians who are making names for themselves at Berklee.
Next week you can see me in Cambridge at the Lily Pad, and at the New Hampshire Jazz Center in Laconia, NH. I'm also doing a show at at Ten Center in Newburyport with more jazz standards mixed in, but still some of my originals.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693782011-06-14T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Advice to a young singer
<p>I recently was asked for advice to a young singer who plans to attend Berklee in a year or two. I was very glad to get the request, because it is something I think about often, and I wish I could clear up some misconceptions before they take root.
Here is the message I sent her...
Take regular voice lessons and practice voice an hour a day. Not just learning songs, but emphasize vocal technique with an ear toward clarity of tone.
STUDY PIANO. Start with the basics of 12 major scales, 12 x 3 minor scales, triads (arpeggios and inversions, major minor diminished augmented), seventh chords (arpeggios and inversions, major 7 minor 7, dominant 7, half-diminished 7, diminished 7). Practice at least an hour a day. Use a metronome.
Listen to music for 45 minutes a day. Start with stuff you love, then search out the predecessors of that, and keep on going back in time.
They say "mastery" takes 10,000 hours. Start putting in your time! Successful Berklee students are the ones who come in with an established work ethic and are passionate about music. We are pretty "style-agnostic" in the Berklee voice department, so someone who is intensely into gospel, or Bollywood pop, or Bulgarian choral music, or opera, or stone country all can find their niche here.
LOVE what you do!</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693772011-05-01T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00The Tribe Gathers
<p>The tribe did not gather often. In the best of times, it was not the most powerful in the land. Now, in lean times, the tribe was scattered in order to find sustenance. Each elder, warrior, or farmer had to find shelter where he or she could.
One elder put out the call to honor another elder. Each disparate branch of the tribe was asked to bring their most powerful magic to lay at the feet of this man.
The elder to be honored was not a great leader or warrior or farmer. He was not a treaty-maker or wizard. This man's gift was the gift of listening. He listened to the cares of the young warrior who felt that his struggles had never been known before. He listened to the cry of the farmer who remembered fatter days. He listened to the rough voice of the weary traveler who had come home after learning that "all is all."
Would anyone come to honor this elder? Would the gift of listening prove worthy of commemoration? Would the scattered members honor the feeling of validation they received when this elder took the time to hear their concerns?
Yes. The tribe came and celebrated with food and drink and fire and song. They brought their fiercest spells and tenderest songs and wildest dances and loveliest stories. The elder listened and blessed their gifts, allowing his tears to flow only when the spirit of his departed father appeared.
After the feast, the tribe scattered again. No one knew whether they would again gather. No one knew what might cause them to forget their immediate wants for an evening in order to pay tribute to an elder who did nothing but listen. But they all departed knowing that their stories were less than dust without a listener. They knew that the most precious gift anyone ever gave them was to listen. They knew that, for a while anyway, they would honor The Listener wherever he or she appeared.
-----
Eric Jackson, thank you for thirty years of listening. Fred Taylor gathered the tribe to honor you and no one could hope for such a feast as the one he gave. The tribe is in your debt, and our gifts tonight are only a token offer for the value you have tendered us.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693762011-03-29T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Music education
<p>The Boston Arts Academy is an amazing place where students learn not only the nuts and bolts of music (in addition to a full academic courseload), but also how to express themselves and their values in society. Yesterday I got to work with several students (along with the master pianist Frank Wilkins) who had the courage to sing in front of their peers. They showed the results of their hard work and their budding artistry, conveying emotion as well as musical ideas.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693752011-03-18T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Live Music is Alive
<p>Over the past few days, I have performed in front of over a thousand people at many different types of venues. A performing arts center, a music school, and a church are among the places I looked out and saw the faces of people for whom hearing music performed live was incredibly meaningful. If I ever had any doubt, I have been reminded that hearing live music is irreplaceable. It feeds the soul of listener and performer. To witness the fruit of so much hard work and soulful enterprise is uplifting.
One listener with tears in her eyes said, "I got so much enjoyment out of your show tonight. I don't get enjoyment out of much these days."
When we go to hear music, it tunes our molecules like little else can.
Live music is alive and well.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693742011-02-14T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Arizona tour
<p>Last week I spent among the palm trees and citrus orchards of Arizona. One day I went into the backyard of the house we were staying at and grabbed handfuls of lemons, then squeezed them into a pitcher for lemonade. For someone used to the snow of a New England winter, this was paradise.
Also paradise were the fabulous audiences for the music of Vocalogy. Vocalogy is a five-voice group plus piano, bass and drums. We spent the week performing for high schools around the Phoenix area, then went into the mountains -- to Flagstaff -- to perform at the Northern Arizona University Jazz/Madrigal festival. Talk about a high-energy event! When we went on stage the crowd of about 1,000 went completely nuts and were with us every step of the way. We varied the program from our more oblique music like Joe Henderson's "Black Narcissus" to real crowd-pleasers like "Time is a Healer", and the kids seemed to enjoy everything along the whole spectrum.
If you're worried about the state of music in the future, you can relax a little bit. These kids were hip to real music, not just the pop flavors-of-the-month. Their energy and enthusiasm also showed in their questions to us, both in the info sessions and informally. They are hungry for music education, and, fortunately, they are getting it from their teachers. I only hope that the many schools we didn't visit also have outlets for that same hunger.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693732011-01-25T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Talking Music Interview
<p>Hey, check out Mark Shilanksy's new podcast, Talking Music. He interviews musicians about music. Always insightful and funny.
His latest episode is an interview with yours truly -- probably containing much more information than you ever wanted to know.
http://markshilanskytalkingmusic.libsyn.com/episode-5-mark-talks-to-vocalist-david-thorne-scott
You can subscribe to his podcast on iTunes and get your iPod automatically updated every time he has a new episode. Great for the morning commute.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693722010-11-15T19:00:00-05:002020-10-20T05:09:15-04:00Syncopation - New Member!
<p>A big change in the life of Syncopation. Aubrey Logan has left the band to pursue opportunities as a solo jazz/pop singer. Be on the lookout for her name in the national and international entertainment media in the upcoming year. I wish her the very best.
A thorough search for a new soprano was conducted. Of course she would have to be an excellent harmony singer with great intonation, sound and rhythm. We also wanted an amazing soloist. Finally, she should be an entertainer with charisma and energy.
We found all these things in vocalist Aubrey Johnson. She is a fantastic musician and lovely human being who will fit in our crazy harmony group just perfectly. Aubrey is a Boston-based singer/composer/arranger whose music combines her many stylistic influences which range from jazz, pop, and folk, to opera, Brazilian, and Turkish music, creating her unique brand of improvisation-rooted composition, with and without lyrics. Last year she completed the New England Conservatory Masters Degree program with honors and was awarded the Gunther Schuller Medal. She sang on Bobby McFerrin's latest CD "Vocabularies", performed in international jazz festivals with guitarist Lyle Mays, and is in high demand as a sidewoman by many forward-looking ensembles around Boston. She was named "Best Jazz Vocalist" in the 2008 DownBeat Student Music Awards.
Syncopation is taking this opportunity to refresh our publicity materials, photos, website, and social media presence. Please stay tuned to see our new look! A sneak preview of our new photos can be found at www.jazzsyncopation.com</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693712010-09-13T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Vocalogy tour
<p>After a few hundred miles logged on the Vocalogy-mobile, I'm home again. We sang for audiences from Monterrey to Seal Beach, and stayed loose while singing some of the most challenging arrangements out there. We really had a blast and I think that's important when you are doing music like we do: artistic, but fun and swinging.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693702010-08-19T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Ridiculous Scullers show
<p>Wow! I am all out of breath after the Syncopation show at Scullers. There was something special in the air last night and everyone in the room knew it. Each solo was more inventive than the last.... there was a fearlessness that we felt on stage because of the warm reception we got from the audience. Wow.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693692010-07-31T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Club Passim
<p>Last Sunday I sang at Club Passim with Syncopation. It was an a cappella show, and the whole concert seemed magical, warm and intimate. Was it the spirits of the great folk musicians who played at this venue over the years? Was it the hospitable and talented staff? Was it the good vibes of the audience that day? Who knows. Suffice it to say that we will definitely be back singing at this venerable Harvard Square institution again SOON.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693682010-07-21T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Bill Elliott and the Boston Pops Swing Orchestra
<p>Last night I got to sing with some amazing musicians and singers under the auspices of Bill Elliott and the Boston Pops Swing Orchestra. Thanks to all you dancers for making my night! Everyone had a big smile on their faces dancing to good solid swing music played by some of the best of the best.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693672010-05-26T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Syncopation Promotional Campaign
<p>After Syncopation shows, I love talking to our fans. They always have interesting comments, questions and suggestions. The number one question we get -- at least one person asks this every show -- is "Why aren't you guys famous?"
The glib answer is, "Hey, we're working on it!". But, more seriously, a...part from the vagaries of showbiz, our number one barrier to success is TIME (and we don't mean the kind the drummer plays). You should be at a rehearsal when we try to schedule a meeting or performance. Finding a blank spot in the schedules of these four working musicians/teachers is like trying to find a missing purl in a quilt. Now, don't get the wrong idea: this is a good problem to have. It means we are busy doing the thing we love. But it also means that our ability to promote the band is limited.
Our goal for 2010 is to work with individuals who have the expertise and enthusiasm to take Syncopation from a top regional act to a top international act. We are consulting with an entertainment attorney who believes that we have what it takes to attract booking agents and managers to our cause. But there are a few things we need to take care of.
Did you see Christine get a makeover on TLC's "What Not To Wear?" You can see from that show what a creative, diligent stylist can accomplish. Syncopation needs a makeover, too, and we're visiting a top NYC stylist to establish an overall look for the group that will send a strong visual message that is fully in tune with our music. We have engaged an extraordinary Boston photographer to create images that capture the essence of Syncopation.
Another comment we frequently hear is, "I love your recordings, but they can't capture the energy of your live show". A high-quality DVD video of our performance will be the group's ambassador to busy entertainment professionals. We will work with an award-winning video production company to make this happen. We will make an audio demo with cutting-edge production values by teaming up with an producer with platinum and gold records to his name. Finally, a newly-designed web site tying all these threads together will be Syncopation's front door, telling our story at a glance.
In case you haven't guessed where this is going, here it is: we need money to accomplish these goals. It is because of you, the attenders of our concerts and buyers of our CDs, that we have been able to accomplish so much in the years since our inception. We need your help again to break through the ceiling that faces us.
Click this link to donate NOW via PayPal: http://www.jazzsyncopation.com/spc2010.htm
Here is the budget for our 2010 promotional campaign:
Syncopation 2010 Promotional Campaign Budget
Stylist and wardrobe
$1,500.00
Photography
$2,000.00
Video demo
$15,000.00
Web site
$2,000.00
Graphic design
$1,000.00
Service mark registration
$1,200.00
Investment agreement for Angel Investors
$2,000.00
CD demo
$10,000.00
TOTAL
$34,700.00
Can you help us? If each of our fans gave us $20, it would get us a long ways toward our goal. If a few contributed more, we could make this dream a reality. We have already raised $5,000.
We're not a non-profit. We're just artists trying to spread our music, music that you love as much as we do. This is the social networking version of passing the hat at a gig. It's the 21st century version of the great classical composers finding patrons to underwrite their music, much of which is still beloved today. We can't promise that orchestras will be playing our songs in 200 years, but we can promise that we will keep you apprised of every step along our way so you can share first-hand in the success we achieve thanks to your profound support.
We are also looking for a few "angel investors" to provide gifts and loans in larger amounts for this project. Please contact us if you'd like to discuss our loan agreement and terms.
Click this link to donate NOW via PayPal: http://www.jazzsyncopation.com/spc2010.htm
If you would rather send a check, write it to "Syncopation" and put "SPC 2010" in the memo field. Mail to Syncopation at P.O. Box 230973, Boston MA 02123-0973
Thanks to those who have already given, and thanks for your consideration.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693642010-03-29T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Handel With Care
<p>Just got back from singing the tenor solos in Handel's Messiah with the Axtell Oratorio Society. Conductor J. Rodney Wendell brought out the yearning in the piece, most notably in the finale, "Amen". It was a very moving experience and one I was proud to be part of. The tenor solos are so much fun, because he sets the stage with optimism ("Comfort Ye"), then admonishes "Thy Rebuke"), then finally metes out justice ("Thou shalt break them"). Whew! Heavy stuff. What a role.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693662010-03-13T19:00:00-05:002020-10-20T05:03:46-04:00Blue Heron goes to Spain
<p>Got to perform with Scott Metcalfe. He is such a joy to work with. He conducts with intelligence, technique, diligence, and -- most important -- love.
A few lines from a recent review: "Scott Metcalfe and his virtuoso a cappella ensemble Blue Heron Renaissance Choir cast a comprehensive glance over what awakening 16th-century Spain had to say on the subject of passion. Mr. Metcalfe’s nicely judged juxtaposition of small forces and large, of a cappella textures and rich-hued accompanied tapestries, entertained and engaged the sizable audience in First Church, Cambridge."
The rest of the review is available here:
http://classical-scene.com/2010/03/17/blue-heron’s-16th-c-spain-with-song-of-songs-songs-of-love/</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693652010-02-27T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Holy February!
<p>Syncopation was BUSY this month! Who knew the dead of winter could be so lively? A cappella shows at Belmont High School, Merrimack College, and First Church Cohasset. Shows with rhythm section at jazz clubs: the Hi-Hat in Providence and Ryles in Cambridge. And next month we're at the beautiful Performing Arts Center in Chelmsford.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693632010-01-22T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Hartford Concert Series
<p>I just got back from performing at First Baptist Church in Hartford. They are starting a music series and invited a jazz ensemble to kick it off. I was singing, Mark Shilansky played piano, Neil Shilansky played drums, Keala Kaumeheiwa played bass, and Kris Allen played alto sax. What a fun night. The church has enormously high ceilings. It's the very picture of a classic New England church. The audience was incredibly engaged and gave us plenty of energy and permission to walk the high wire. Acoustics good. Band slammin'. What's not to like? The topper: baked goods afterwards. Lots of cookies, brownies and cakes. I'm still high on sugar, two hours later.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693612010-01-12T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Experimental Improvised Electronica
<p>In 2009 I started making ambient music with just my voice, an effects pedal, a looper, and some random instruments/noisemakers. I have posted a couple of tracks on my MySpace page. Tell me what you think!
www.myspace.com/davidthornescott</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693622010-01-06T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Grown-Up Music
<p>Grown-up music is the kind where you can enjoy it sitting in the back row, chatting quietly with a drink and a friend, or sitting in the front row with your eyes closed, marinating in the sounds, reflecting on the poetry, and meditating on your life. The grown-up music I perform borrows a lot from jazz, but also has influences from western classical music, pop/rock, and country music.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693602009-11-30T19:00:00-05:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Syncopation tour
<p>Hey, what a couple of weeks it's been. Swampscott, Worcester's Mechanics Hall (what a beautiful room that is -- Mark Twain spoke there!), all our old friends at Ryles, radio appearance on WICN, the Center for the Arts at Natick... whew. Then after this Syncopation tour, I got to perform at Vernissage and Acton Jazz Cafe with the inimitable Mark Shilansky. Top that off with singing oratorio for the Boston Singers Resource select auditions, and I'm beat. Stick a fork in me for a little bit. I'll put my head up again soon, but for a bit I'll reconnect with my family and let myself get caught up in the holiday spirit. Hope you all do, too!</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693592009-10-14T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Scullers!
<p>Thanks to everyone who came to Scullers on Tuesday for Syncopation. It was the first time we tried out our new toys: wireless mics. Oh yeah. I love music technology, especially when it makes it easy for everyone to walk around the stage (and even through the audience) without getting tangled or tripped. Of course, our sound man Bruce was the one who had to sweat all the technical aspects, but he did a fantastic job. As he says, if you don't notice the sound reinforcement, then he's done his job. We've been trying to move towards a better flow in our sets, and thanks to everyone's hard work I think we achieved it.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693582009-09-01T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00The Cats, part II
<p>Gig at Ryles on Friday was a revelation. I played with several guys I've never worked with before. Greg Hopkins, who I have heard described as "world-class" and "the best trumpet player in New England", Dino Govoni, who plays positively Brecker-ish tenor saxophone. Then the phenomenal electric bassist Fernando Huergo and rhythmic wizard Bertram Lehmann on drums. And of course Shark Milansky on piano.
I called the band "The Hard Bop Sextet", which was a bit of a misnomer. We performed some aggressive modern jazz, some original songs, burning latin tunes.... Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Tom Harrell... stuff you don't often hear singers do.
Here is a video of Joe Henderson's "The Kicker".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDEVmXkzA34</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693572009-07-26T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00The Cats
<p>Hey everybody, it was a grand pleasure to sing at Ryles last week with Ray Santisi on piano, Barry Smith on bass, Casey Scheuerell on drums, Jeff Stout on trumpet, and Larry Baione on guitar. We had a great turnout, especially considering that it rained cats and dogs. I especially got a kick when Jeff Stout would quote back little pieces of my scat solos -- three tunes later! These guys have experience, attitude, and a point of view. The last, especially, is often a rarity among younger players.
A couple of videos from that night. Enjoy!
Blame It On My Youth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boVRrqxnrxk
Desafinado
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyEIAI4miyA</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693562009-07-09T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Experiments
<p>Last night at the Lily Pad in Cambridge I did a show like I've never done before. I had no fellow-musicians to share the stage with, just a few assorted instruments, a couple of microphones, a sonic effects device, and a looper. And you know what? It worked. Check my MySpace page for a song clip.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693552009-07-06T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Bach
<p>Sang the tenor solos in the Bach Magnificat with the Masterworks Chorale tonight. Those people have a good time! It really reminded me that music is all about F U N .</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693542009-07-04T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Singing with the Boston Pops
<p>My goodness! What a whirlwind. My vocal group Syncopation performed on the Esplanade as part of a grand 4th of July tradition here in Boston, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.
You can see one of the songs we did on line at WBZ TV. Here is the link:
http://wbztv.com/video/?id=78572@wbz.dayport.com
And a news article about the performance:
http://wbztv.com/video/?id=78370@wbz.dayport.com</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693532009-06-05T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00New Syncopation Video
<p>Here is a new YouTube video of the band singing "But Not For Me." This is one of our newest a cappella charts and we have been having a great time. When you don't have a band backing you up, you really have to concentrate on SWING! From a show at David Friend Recital Hall at Berklee on March 30 (the date on the video is wrong).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrfM0tzVFZY</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693522009-05-20T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Finals are history!
<p>Finals at Berklee are finally over, and it's time to take a little vacation and work on some things I've been mulling about in my head. Going to be doing some experimentation with live electronic vocal processing, maybe try it out at an upcoming show. Hope to do some writing, and learning a few new Syncopation charts. And find the time to exercise, play basketball, and meditate.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693512009-05-01T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Acton Jazz Café with Syncopation
<p>Awesome show at Acton Jazz Café! The seating was sold-out before the show even started -- standing room only. The AJC patrons are a little different than at other places. They are so eager and attentive and just plain nice that it makes it a pleasure to sing for them. Thanks everybody who came out! I'll be there again on May 22 with Mark Shilansky and band, singing some new original songs.</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693502009-04-21T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00West Valley College
<p>Cool kids at West Valley College. Today went in and sang a few songs, played piano, and had a little Q&A session. Some really thoughtful questions and comments. That school is in such a beautiful natural setting I thought it was a resort at first. Thanks to Gus and everyone for making it happen!</p>
David Thorne Scotttag:davidthornescott.com,2005:Post/61693492009-04-19T20:00:00-04:002015-08-10T09:41:05-04:00Ockeghem? I don't even know him!
<p>Having a fantastic time here in Stanford, California rehearsing with Cut Circle for the concert at Memorial Church on Wednesday. Hope you can make it! The music is from the 15th century, and it is POWERFUL. It makes 8 singers sound like an amplified guitar playing open 5ths with the amp turned up to 11.</p>
David Thorne Scott