The following story appeared in MIDTOWN MAGAZINE!
July/August 2008
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SCOTT SAWYER: GO THEREScott Sawyer, 50, decided about 30 years ago to play music full time. "I made a choice to do it and that's what I've been doing ever since", he says. A celebrated jazz guitarist with a Grammy-nominated performance under his belt (with jazz singer Nnenna Freelon in 1997), Sawyer reflects on living out his dream right here in Raleigh as opposed to New York, L.A. or Nashville.
"It's a much smaller pond, so to speak. In that respect, it's easier to rise to the top if you're serious about what you're doing and talented, too," says Sawyer. "On the other hand, because it's smaller, there are fewer opportunities. It's a mixed bag, but I enjoy this area."
Sawyer moved to North Carolina as a highschool junior from the Chicago area. For years he's made appearances at upscale spots, including South, the Cardinal Club and the UNC-Alumni Center. "A lot of people in this area would know me as a jazz musician but I'm equally involved in rock, blues and fusion music. My new record
Go There is not a jazz record, in my opinion."
Although Sawyer hasn't retired completely from the local scene, he is spending more time these days promoting his album and also enjoys teaching and working with other musicians. He arranges music and works also with singers (including his wife Ghezzi). Early on, he experimented with different genres, a big help now as he works with other musicians.
"From the time I was very young and getting interested in jazz, I made a point of hanging out with older musicians and just being very persistent about trying to play with people who were older than me and more experienced," Sawyer says. "As I've gotten a little bit older, I've found myself revisiting my rock roots, quite frankly. I view myself as a musician who's interested in a lot of different things and a lot of different music, and I try to keep open to it all. I've never been afraid to ask questions. I'm still a student of the music, and I study as much as I can."
Go There has been well received by listeners, making it's way to No. 18 on XM Radio's Beyond Jazz (Channel 72). The album features Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers band, ARU) on electric bass; Kofi Burbridge (Derek Trucks Band) on Hammond B3/flute and Kenny Soule (Dag, Nantucket, PKM) on drums. It's caught the attention of the music industry, resulting in a European tour. "That's really pretty amazing for an individual release that doesn't have an advertising budget," says Sawyer.
Sawyer enjoys touring, but also likes to be at home with his wife and their dog. Plus, he's finding that teaching others his craft is a great way to continue as a student himself. (He charges $65 an hour for adults and offers a discount for multiple sessions).
"For me, teaching is a great way to continue to move my music forward," Sawyer says. "It's amazing what you can learn from a beginning guitar student if you're open to it."
To hear Sawyer's music, visit www.scottsawyer.net