Knoel Scott Trio/ (france

Knoel Scott began his incredible music career early in life with piano lessons and soon graduated to the saxophone while still in school. He parlayed his interests and passions further into studies at Queens College and State University of New York under the tutelage of Dr. Ken Makanda McIntyre, specialized in Music of the African American Tradition, and also with percussionist Warren Smith with whom he made his debut in established Jazz circles. Knoel’s driving energy to use his passion and talents soon brought him to the attention of the icon of cutting edge Jazz, Sun Ra, who soon had Knoel touring and recording with the very famous and legendary Sun Ra Arkestra. During this period you can find Knoel on the recordings: Jupiter, Strange Celestial Road, Live at Vilislau, Mayan Temples, and at least twenty other LPs.

Knoel Scott’s extensive recording career has had him on alto, tenor, and baritone saxes; flute, and contra-alto clarinet. Knoel has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts for his compositions. In a period of seven years, Knoel worked with Olu Dara, Seleno Clarke, NRBQ, Jack McDuff, Lawrence 88 Keys, Andy Razaf, and many others. He became a fixture at Harlem’s swingingest clubs like Showman’s Café, Smalls’ Paradise, Red Rooster, Lickety Split, and La Famille - to name just a few. Knoel was a Founder of the Harlem Renaissance Jazz Festival ’87.

Sun Ra called Knoel back to the Arkestra in 1988 where he became Sun Ra’s aide during the years Sun Ra was disabled by a stroke. Since the departure of Sun Ra from planet Earth Knoel has assisted Marshall Allen (Director of the Arkestra) in the compilation, transcription, rehearsal and performance, of Sun Ra’s Music. Knoel developed the concept he called BeBop and Beyond which led to recording and leading an ensemble featuring his own extensive original compositions. In recent years, Knoel has become a very popular summer fixture in Denali Park in Alaska, where he has built a large following of supporters and has connected with the renowned keyboardist Barney McClure in a recent recording of Knoels compositions entitled Live In Alaska (BMP C001801).

Knoel Scott’s lifetime commitment to the historical context of jazz, as well as the cutting-edge of improvisational expression, has made him extensively recognized as the one of the ‘Keepers of the Flame’ of the BeBop Tradition, a title that barely scratches the surface of what this man is all about.