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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, MEL MELTON and others
while continuing to explore the jazz tradition & beyond. He’s has appeared on numerous recordings spanning various genres including a Grammy-Nominated Performance in 1997 (NNENNA FREELON’S "Shaking Free"). Scott’s latest
album, “Go There” was released in May 2007. Sawyer has collaborated with dancers & choreographers: "Blue Diner", a contemporary ballet choreographed by Adam Miller (set to Scott's composition "Blue Diner”) premiered 5/94 at
City Center Studios (NYC). Scott performed it live with prima ballerina Marie-Christine Mouis (Paris Opera Ballet, Nureyev & Friends) and others
at BALLET GROUP INTERNATIONAL’S Inaugural Concert (Durham, NC-- 5/94). He has interpreted visual art through his own compositions: check out "Slow Down, Freight Train” & "Dark Lady" on his album, “Go There”. Sawyer
has also arranged & recorded music for film (including "Once Around" w/ actor Danny Aiello).
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) and The Institute of
the Arts @ Duke University (Durham, NC). He continues to work with a
limited number of music/guitar students. www.scottsawyer.net
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Drummer KENNY SOULE brings a groove steeped in James Brown,
British Invasion, Motown, Stax, Psychedelia, 70's Fusion and early AC/DC. Originally from New Britain, Ct, Kenny spent the majority of his years in
Raleigh NC, where he established himself as a rock-solid and soulful player.
While pursuing a major in Percussion Performance at East Carolina University
in the early 70s, he joined local rock faves Nantucket and toured the Southeast club circuit for years before signing with Epic and releasing three albums. Nantucket quickly became a familiar face on the arena circuit, opening coast
to coast for most of the major acts of the era, including KISS, FOREIGNER, BOSTON, TED NUGENT, and AC/DC.
In the 80's Kenny formed power trio PKM to much regional acclaim, including one album distributed by Polygram. During the 90's Kenny brought his funky R&B stylings to the masses with DAG, a combo initiallyformed by visionary producer/songwriter John Custer. DAG released two critically acclaimed CDs
on Columbia/Sony along with 4 music videos, and toured the US and Europe relentlessly. At the turn of the century, Kenny re-established himself in New York City. Drawing on his rich legacy of rock and soul, he is constantly
refining his craft with a variety of artists across many genres, including
country, Americana, jazz, and blues.
Kenny is a proud endorser of Paiste cymbals, Sonor drums, Pro Mark sticks,
and Aquarian drumheads. www.kennysoule.com
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RON BRENDLE, a freelance bassist in the Charlotte area since 1981, was recently recognized by Charlotte Magazine as "Best Bassist." His innovative compositions and improvisational style have also earned three awards
as "Jazz Artist of the Year" by Creative Loafing Magazine. Ron is a two-time recipient of the North Carolina Arts Council Jazz Composer Fellowship Grant. From his first CD Hypermobility, Ron's composition “Not Forgetting”
was used in the motion picture “The Architect”. His composition “Hypermobility” was featured on the JazzSouth Sampler CD.
Ron has performed and recorded with many notable artists of international stature, including Nnenna Freelon, Jason Marsalis, Clark Terry, Andrew Hill, Charlie Byrd, Charlie Rouse, Bob Margolin and Mose Allison. His latest
recordings include projects with Scott Sawyer, Loonis McGlohon, Mike
Campbell and Frank Kimbrough.
In addition to maintaining an active career as a free lance bassist, Ron also performs numerous educational outreach concerts each year as part of the Charlotte Jazz Society and as bassist with Big Octave and Viva Klezmer.
Ron graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor Degree in music. He studied bass with Charlie Haden at the Atlantic Center for the Arts
in New Smyrna, Florida. www.ronbrendle.com
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WORD
“…we're pleased to play Scott's music...it sounds great on the air and fits the channel perfectly. Keep up the great work...” –Russ Davis (Program Director, XM Radio “Beyond Jazz”; 11/16/07)
"THE BADDEST MOTHER F*****S I’VE HEARD IN 10 YEARS!" --Oteil Burbridge (World renowned bass player, 8/1/04)
"One of the best bands playing through the circuit!" --Eric Mullins (Owner,
The Pour House Music Hall; Raleigh, NC)
"GO THERE is definitely a breath of fresh air, demonstrating an example of where we can all go when we step outside the box and take that musical chance." --RaleighMusic.com (Jay Shirley)
"Though Sawyer can swing cerebrally, solving prickly harmonic riddles like a mathematician, he’s at his best as a blue-collar improviser, combining earthy jazz and accessible blues that make the listener wanna holler. My fave Sawyer-led combo is GO THERE…." --The Independent Weekly (Joe Vanderford)
"The absolute real deal!" -Rob Watson (Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter)
"GO THERE is about as nasty as it gets! These guys will twist and turn a tune that will bring you to your knees, begging for mercy and hoping for more. And, despite the absence of vocals, a GO THERE show will never leave you wishing for a song to be sung, as the melodies and grooves captivate the audience from
beginning to end." --RaleighMusic.com (Mike Rosado)
Video Clips
Taxman (8 minutes) - 16 Sept. 2007 - Blind Tiger, Greensboro NC.
Scott Sawyer on guitar, Kenny Soule on drums, Ron Brendle on bass, and Bill Stevens on organ.
Royal & Canal (6 minutes) - 16 Sept. 2007 - Blind Tiger, Greensboro NC.
Scott Sawyer on guitar, Kenny Soule on drums, Ron Brendle on bass, and Bill Stevens on organ.
Instant Karma (2 minutes) - 16 Sept. 2007 - Blind Tiger, Greensboro NC.
Scott Sawyer on guitar, Kenny Soule on drums, Ron Brendle on bass, and Bill Stevens on organ.
Dark Lady (2 minutes) - 16 Sept. 2007 - Blind Tiger, Greensboro NC.
Scott Sawyer on guitar, Kenny Soule on drums, Ron Brendle on bass, and Bill Stevens on organ.
Willie Dixon (2 minutes) - 16 Sept. 2007 - Blind Tiger, Greensboro NC.
Scott Sawyer on guitar, Kenny Soule on drums, Ron Brendle on bass, and Bill Stevens on organ; and special guest WEZO on harmonica.
Chaser (5 minutes) - 15 Sept. 2007 - Blue Bayou, Hillsborough, NC.
Scott Sawyer on guitar, Kenny Soule on drums, Ron Brendle on bass.
The album was recorded in November 2006, at Old House Recording Studio in Gastonia, NC. The players are:
* Scott Sawyer (Nnenna Freelon, Lois Deloatch, Bill Anschell, Ghezzi, Jon Metzger, Mel Melton) – Guitar – links: scottsawyer.net and myspace.com/scottsawyermusic
* Kenny Soule (Nantucket, Dag, Walter Trout, Mary McBride) – Drums – links: kennysoule.com
* Kofi Burbridge (Derek Trucks Band, Yonrico Scott Band, Jeff Coffin Mu'tet) – Hammond Organ and Flute – links: hittinthenote.com/kofi.asp
* Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers Band, Oteil & the Peacemakers, Aquarium Rescue Unit) – Bass – links: oteilburbridge.com and myspace.com/oteilburbridge
* Ron Brendle (Big Octave, Frank Kimbrough, Mose Allison, etc.) – Acoustic Stand-up Bass (3 tracks) – links: ronbrendle.com and myspace.com/ronbrendle
GO THERE!
Guitarist SCOTT SAWYER has been making music for years, playing venues of every description: music clubs, beer-soaked dives and prestigious venues around the world. Though Sawyer can swing cerebrally, solving prickly harmonic riddles like a mathematician, he's at his best as a bluecollar improviser combining funk, earthy jazz and accessible blues that make the listener wanna
holler. Scott’s band GO THERE reflects his interest in various genres.
In November 2006, Sawyer recorded "GO THERE" with Kenny Soule (Nantucket, Dag, PKM) on drums, Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers, Aquarium Rescue Unit, Oteil and the Peacemakers) on electric bass, Kofi Burbridge (Derek Trucks Band, ARU) on B3 & flute and Ron Brendle (Big Octave, Frank Kimbrough) on acoustic bass. The sessions re-united Sawyer & Soule from the original GO
THERE, which enjoyed a cult following in NC but disbanded in 2004. Also, Kofi and Oteil were reunited for their first recording together in 8 years. "There was no prior rehearsal and we had to work very quickly...but it was BIG FUN making this record and the music reflects that!" —(SS)
Today, GO THERE continues to push the envelope and advance their tradition of "edgy provocative groove"…compelling originals, unique reconstructions of classic songs and plenty of intense jamming. A melting pot of musical influences, GO THERE is all about taking chances, groove and communication.
Thank you for the great music everyday. I just wanted to let you know the release of new tune 'Panorama'. I think that is pretty interesting instrumental music. Hope you enjoy it.
can i make a beatles request? can you cover 'rain'? or 'here, there and everywhere' or 'within you without you'... or... well, the list is endless... but maybe not one of ringo's...
"It's All Over Now Baby Blue": nice arrangement of the Dylan chestnut. The groove is a bit "Down By The River" while retaining a nice jazzy, melodic feel overall. Very tasty.
