Clayton/Scott Group
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Canada's Premier Smooth Jazz
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With their debut CD august... already a staple of Canadian smooth-jazz radio, the Clayton/Scott group is off to a fine start. Comprised of guitarist Andrew Scott and pianist Jim Clayton, their music is not as guitar oriented as say, the Rippingtons, nor as melodically led by the guitar as music by Earl Klugh, but Scott gets to step out on a number of cuts, specifically "David & Elizabeth", "August" and "Dukish", to name a few. Fans of Klugh and George Benson would find a lot to like here; Scott has melodic guitar blowing down pat and helps give the album it's space and grace. Clayton and Scott have also assembled a stellar supporting cast, including Steve Lucas (bass), Mark Kelso (drums), David French (tenor saxophone) and Michael Dunston (vocals on three cuts). august... leaves an aftertaste you'll enjoy long after the final sip.
Formed in autumn of 2000, The Clayton/Scott Group is being called Canada's premier smooth jazz group. Guitarist Andrew Scott is the group's guitarist and co-songwriter. Stylistically, he comes out of a tradition of jazz guitar which includes George Benson, Grant Green, Pat Martino, and Sonny Greenwich (on whom Andrew is writing a book). He has been critically praised for his strong improvisations and compositions. In addition to his work with the Group, Andrew leads a jazz quartet, and performs with One Step Beyond. Andrew has performed with such artists as Merl Saunders, Pat Labarbera, Marvin Stamm, Vassar Clements, Bob Moses and Gordon Edwards (Stuff). He appeared and performed in "A Blue Note: The Grant Green Story." Equally interested in music performance and history, Andrew has earned his Masters of Musicology from Boston's New England Conservatory, and is completing his Ph.D. at York University.
Currently, the Clayton/Scott Group is benefiting from a strong industry and radio push, adding aggressive marketing to their arsenal of talents.
Contact Information
Andrew Scott
21 Dale Ave. #629
Toronto, Ontario, M4W 1K3
Canada
E-mail:
Clayton/Scott Group
Web site:
www.claytonscottgroup.com
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Ernesto Schnack
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Crossing The Line Between Acoustic & Electric
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Explorations with looping devices and effect led Panamanian guitarist Ernesto Schnack to record the music on Wood, his new instrumental CD-R release. Wood started out as a demo to get gigs as a solo acoustic guitarist but eventually grew into a full album's worth of material. The ten tracks bounce with melodic guitar lines set within interesting moods and atmospheres. For example, "Envelope" could be the soundtrack to a detective movie, while "Commuter" displays rhythmic confections and relentless energy reminiscent of Jimmy Page's acoustic work on "Led Zeppelin III". "Mountain Song" has a cinematic feel as well, taking you on a journey through woodsy pine forests and unusual rock formations. Schnack is clearly on a path towards creating some really interesting and compelling fingerstyle work. Let's hope his future 'explorations' are as refreshing as his pieces on Wood.
Ernesto started playing guitar at the age of 14, when he discovered the music of Metallica and Iron Maiden. After learning "Kill 'Em All" and "Live After Death" note for note, he started listening to guitarists like Satriani and Vai, as well as prog rock groups like Rush and Dream Theater. Eventually, he started to lose interest in the shred/prog/metal genre, and started to explore all types of music, which have included 20th century classical, electronic music, jazz, the downtown scene in NY, new metal acts like Dillinger Escape Plan and Meshuggah, and various ethnic music from around the world. In 1998, Ernesto began his studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he earned a B.A. in Composition. During his first couple of months there, he discovered the music of Michael Hedges, which introduced him to the world of fingerstyle guitar, and got him interested in classical guitar as well. It also got him interested in the idea of being a solo performer, and led him to explore looping and effects to expand the concept of what a "solo acoustic guitarist" was supposed to be.
Ernesto is currently back in Panama, recording new music, composing chamber works, and playing with musicians in the area.
Contact Information
Ernesto Schnack
P.O. Box 5126
Balboa, Ancon
Panama
E-mail:
Ernesto Schnack
Web site:
schnack.does.it
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