Since we first pricked our ears to the release of his début album ‘Introducing the Al Scott Trio’ late last year, we’ve wanted to find out a bit more about Al Scott, the young piano/keyboard player from Stockport (and now resident of North London). Alongside Henry Gilbert (double Bass) and Marco Quarantotto (drums), Al has slowly been making a name for himself with his trio, appearing live at West London’s seminal jazz re:freshed sessions and Jazz Moods Live upstairs at Brixton’s Ritzy Picturehouse, as well as performing at many other venues around the city in the past year. Ahead of his début at The Jazz Meet this coming Sunday and for the second of our ‘In Brief’ interview series, we took the opportunity to sit down with him and delve further into what makes him tick, why he chose the piano and why the great Bill Evans continues to be such an inspiration on his work. Here’s what he had to say…
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So, we’re all really excited to welcome you to The Jazz Meet this Sunday. For people that maybe haven’t seen you play live or have yet to pick up your album, can you give us an insight into your sound and where you are musically right now?
Well for the trio sound, I like to think we cover a varied scope of styles. I guess I’m really into what the likes of the Polish trumpeter/composer Tomasz Stanko has done in the past. I think the main thing is to have it sounding like one unit as much as possible, but keeping the sense of melody at the forefront as much as possible.
When did you decide to become a musician and why did you choose the piano?
I started piano lessons around the age of 11, I remember it well as my mum just dropped me off and said see you later. My two elder brothers were already having lessons with the local teacher everyone went to, Mr Paine. If I’m honest, I didn’t enjoy it at all, he was very old school in his ways, and half deaf in one ear. After a year or so he passed away, and I started keyboard lessons with some guy who happened to love jazz. It took some four years or so before we even touched on jazz, but I knew this was the music for me, and the piano has remained my sole instrument.
We’ve read that you’re a pretty big fan of Bill Evans and own nearly every recording he ever made. When did you first come across his work and if you could choose only one song or album of his what would it be?
That’s right; Bill Evans has inspired me and continues to do so. I came across him by accident on a piano compilation with other greats like Duke, Basie, Herbie etc. That’s a very hard question… if I had to choose just one of his albums, it would be Explorations by The Bill Evans Trio with Scott La Faro and Paul Motion, (the classic trio).
Bill Evans Trio – How Deep Is The Ocean? Recorded live in London, March 19, 1965 and available on Bill Evans Trio – Explorations (Riverside RLP 351, 1969)
You can hear the Evans influence throughout your trio release. Can you tell us how the album came about and if you’ve got more lined up for this year?
The album came about when I decided we needed to get something down on tape using a real acoustic piano. We recorded it all in one, six-hour session last year, as it was out of London and there wasn’t much time available. I hope to record again, it’s all a matter of time, as the other trio members are busy with other projects as well.
Since moving down to London in 2005, you’ve obviously done a lot of gigging around the capital. Is there anyone you’ve played with that really sticks out as a talent? Established or up and coming.
Yes, I’ve played with a lot of people since I moved here, there are loads of fantastic players and to mention one would be just too hard. If I’m honest, the guys in the trio do it for me, so right now I’m happy to be playing with them when I can.
You’ve worked alongside Tru Thoughts recording artist and bass music producer Zed Bias AKA Maddslinky. Is collaborating with other artists outside of the jazz arena something you’d like to do more of? Is there anyone in particular you’d love to work with?
Yes I worked with Zed Bias on a few occasions while back in Manchester, I’d like to do more studio stuff as well. It’s all about having a sound that other people like to use on their tracks. Someone like Flying Lotus would be amazing to work with if I ever got the opportunity.
Interview by Rob Coley (@robcoley)
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Listen to the Al Scott Trio’s ‘Introducing the Al Scott Trio’ album…
Then catch them live at The Jazz Meet this Sunday 22nd March at Floripa, 5pm-12am with DJ support from Jazz Meet residents Rob Coley and Sid Ford. FREE ENTRY.