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Episode 013

Grammy-winning saxophonist and composer Tom Scott joins the Aerophone Academy to share his extraordinary musical journey from clarinet player to pioneering wind controller artist. With 13 Grammy nominations, 3 Grammy awards, and appearances on over 2,000 recordings, Scott's unmistakable sound has defined popular music across multiple decades.
Scott takes us through his remarkable career path, beginning with his early musical influences from his father, a music director at NBC Radio during World War II. His professional journey started at just 14 years old, playing $15 gigs at country clubs – experiences that taught him valuable lessons about serving the music rather than his ego. "Don't try to insert your own personal opinion about how you feel about a certain tune. Just play the damn thing with as much feeling as you can muster."
The conversation explores Scott's groundbreaking work with the Lyricon, the world's first commercially available wind synthesizer. We hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about his iconic wind controller solos on hits like Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," Captain & Tennille's "Do That To Me One More Time," Dan Fogelberg's "Heart Hotels," and Steely Dan's "Peg." These recordings revolutionized how electronic instruments could be integrated into popular music, bringing unprecedented expressiveness to synthesized sounds.
Scott's masterful horn arrangements for Steely Dan's "Aja" album receive special attention, revealing his sophisticated approach to orchestration. "I'm going to write this like it's an Oliver Nelson arrangement," he explains, describing how he transformed simple chord structures into rich, complex voicings that enhanced these iconic recordings.
Whether discussing his evolution through different wind controller technologies or sharing wisdom about musical restraint ("less is more very often"), Scott's insights offer invaluable perspectives for musicians at every level. This conversation celebrates not just technological innovation but the enduring importance of musicality in an increasingly electronic landscape.
Subscribe now and join us next episode for part two of our conversation with this legendary musical innovator!

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For more information about Matt, visit www.patchmanmusic.com
For great Aerophone courses, visit www.isax.academy