SCOTT SAWYER

From 1982-1996 guitarist Scott Sawyer spent much of his time in the jazz & improvised music trenches. Since then, he has enjoyed a steady return to his rock & blues roots via Go There, Ghezzi and others while continuing to explore the jazz tradition & beyond. His latest album, "Go There" was independently released in May 2007 yet managed to appear on XM Radio's Top Twenty (72 "Beyond Jazz", Jan 2008).

Scott has performed in Asia, Brazil, Canada, Central America, Europe, The Middle East and throughout the USA. From southside Chicago blues bars to prestigious venues and major festivals around the world, Sawyer has shared the stage and/or appeared on numerous recordings with many notable artists including Nnenna Freelon, Charlie Byrd, David Murray, Danny Aiello, prima ballerina Marie-Christine Mouis, Scott Ainslee, Willie Pickens, Ed Thigpen, Bob Cranshaw, Bill Anshell and Jon Lucien. Scott was a member of the 1992 Philip Morris Superband and has appeared with Nnenna Freelon at clubs, concerts and festivals worldwide. Representing the USIA Arts America program (1985), he toured Central America with vibraphonist Jon Metzger.

Scott has appeared on numerous recordings. He was featured on Nnenna Freelon's 1997 Grammy-Nominated release, "Shaking Free" (Concord Jazz) and "Live" (at the Kennedy Center). He also produces music recordings and has arranged/recorded music for film, including "Once Around" (Cinecom) w/ actor Danny Aiello.

Sawyer has collaborated with dancers & choreographers. "Blue Diner", a contemporary ballet choreographed by Adam Miller (set to Scott's composition "Blue Diner") premiered in 1994 at City Center Studios in NYC. Scott later performed it live-onstage with prima ballerina Marie-Christine Mouis (Paris Opera Ballet, Nureyev & Friends) and others at Ballet Group International's Inaugural Concert (Durham, NC--5/94). Scott's recording of "Blue Diner" was featured on the CD JazzSouth #7 (Southern Arts Federation). He enjoys interpreting visual art through his own compositions: "Dark Lady" and "Slow Down, Freight Train" appear on "Go There".

Scott has been a featured artist/clinician/speaker at various venues including UNC-Chapel Hill (NC), UNC-Greensboro (NC), University of Wisconsin (Whitewater), University of South Florida (Tampa), Magellan School (Raleigh, NC) and The Institute of the Arts @ Duke University (Durham, NC). He continues to work with a limited number of music/guitar students.