Andy Scott (Sax/Composer)
Which instrument do you play? Saxophone
Why did you decide on your instrument?
I started playing aged 11 years old, and my school had a really good big band and they needed sax players. I also thought it looked a bit rebellious! What do you think classical music fans can derive from the jazz experience? Spontaneity and Creativity – stylistically they are totally different. Different sound worlds. What do you think Jazz fans can derive from the classical music experience? For classical music, everything is written already. Jazz audiences and musicians alike can draw a lot from the composition, form and shape. Many great jazz names have been influenced by classical music. What is it that works for you about the crossover between classical and jazz music? I think that the bringing together of classical and jazz musicians is fascinating, and is something that needs to be very carefully handled! A lot depends upon the compositions or arrangements that are the vehicle for such a project, leaving room for improvising opportunities whilst at the same time providing challenging notated material. With Lancashire Sinfonietta for example, there will be 14 professional string players who will be playing written music, and the rhythm section and I will be listening and improvising over the top. It is very exciting, as who knows how it will turn out – we are playing two nights, and neither night will be the same. What do you think is the key appeal of the jazz/classical fusion experience for the Lancashire audiences? Nowadays, musicians and audiences are encouraged to be open minded. I think the big appeal will be the intrigue, and the element of the unknown. That is the real beauty of it. How do people react when you tell them you’re a musician? Most people don’t understand it – I’m always asked “so what’s your proper job?!” People often find it hard to get their heads around making a living from it, but when they hear about projects I’m involved in they think it is a pretty good job – the traveling seems exciting! What piece of music reminds you most of your childhood? Not one specific piece of music, but I remember the 1st album I ever brought – Breakfast in America by Supertramp. Funnily, the Sax player in Supertramp, John Helliwell, also now plays in my group – ‘Sax Assault’. What do you wish for music of the future? I would like to see more music in schools – more young people being able to experience live music and developing a greater understanding and appreciation of music. Some popular TV shows have really dumbed music down – children need to be taught how to listen and appreciate music properly. If you could wave a magic wand, what would you change in music today? I would like more kids to have the opportunity to play an instrument, and to experience live music.
