Musicians on Scott's albums and live shows:
SCOTT VON: Vocals, Lap guitar, Baritone guitar, Acoustic guitar --
JOE BONADIO: Drums & percussion --
ERIC THORIN: Upright Bass --
EBEN GRACE: Electric guitar --
CHRISTIAN TEELE: Drums & percussion --
TAYLOR MESPLE: Piano, Accordion, Rhodes --
MIKE OLSON: Upright Bass --
STEVE MESPLE: Dobro --
PETER OLSTAD: Trumpet --
LIZ BARNEZ: Backing vocals --
ANGIE STEVENS: Backing vocals
Influences
Sounds Like
Whenever I hear Scott Von perform, his music takes me to what I call “my happy place.” Von’s voice has a Keb’ Mo’-like quality and bluesy, soulful bent. From the beginning of his show the audience is taken on a journey, sharing the life and experiences of this wandering troubadour. Von’s concerts are an interactive experience, whether it’s taking a poll of the audience to see who’s single or married before he launches into his own spin on “She’s No Lady, She’s My Wife”, or complimenting one audience member in the front row on his dressing style, when they are wearing the same blue denim shirt, or seeing all of the heads and shoulders grooving along to Von’s rollickingly joyful “Sailin’ On A Boat.” ............................................................................. What I know about Von is that he is a keen observer of everyday life. He appreciates and notices the natural world, the connections between generations, and he is 100% in the present moment. His perspective about music and performing is to “get out of his own way” and to give it his all. Being in the audience, I was struck by his bravery and courage – whether hearing during his story about his performing across the country, taking up a music fan’s offer to go flying with him in some old puddle-jumper plane with upside down buckets for seats, or in taking the risk of performing a song in his set that is only day’s- freshly- written old. ........................................................................................ Von is a true professional who is dedicated to his craft. He shared a touring story with me about how one of the best shows he ever performed, was when he was severely ill with the flu at showtime. During the day he would be bedridden, but he had the clear intention that he did not want to forfeit his performance so he showed up and focused on the music instead of the physical discomfort, and was surprised later to get the feedback from concert-goers who said it was the best they’d ever heard him yet. Passion overrides matter. ..................................................................................................................
Being someone who has worked in the music business at a major record label in Hollywood, I can say that Von possesses that elusive “It” factor that is so often spoken about but is hard to nail down. But the amazing thing is that Von is one of the most gracious, humble and ego-less people I have ever met. These qualities, along with his warm voice that wraps around you like a blanket, his skillful guitar playing, his heartfelt delivery and wonderful storytelling, will take him far.
I’ve had the pleasure of presenting Scott Von in concert twice, but I say these things not only as a talent buyer and musical presenter on behalf of the City of Louisville’s Cultural Council Concert Series, but as a fan.
- Barbara Davis LeBlanc 3/1/09
Scott Von writes music at the crossroads where roots music meets modern american folk. Stomping boots and stirring grooves from the roots tradition, stripped down songs from the folk tradition, and a stage show that inspires. ......................................... Vance Gilbert said of Scott: "So here I am standing around at this Folk Festival stage where there were a bevy of singer-songwriters when this guy takes, and then absolutely rules the stage in the space of half of a first verse. All back-of-the-room conversation stopped, including mine, and I heard whispers go from “who is this guy?” to “where can I see him again?” That was my first Scott Von experience, and I’m a fan for life, and I DO this for a living…”- Vance Gilbert. ....................................................... Another reviewer recently wrote: "What I heard and saw in Scott Von was a pure, unfettered, joyful expression of life. He made me want to hug my kids, kiss my sweetheart, and change the world. He is that pure, that authentic, and that infectious. If there's something other than singing that he is supposed to be doing here, it's hard to imagine what that might be..." - Rachel Snyder. ................................For more details see www.scottvon.com.
Your music speaks to the soul and is played from the heart!! I think I just found my happy place. Thanks for the phenomenal performance. Take care and keep up the great jams!!
Hey scott! I had met you a while back in Hot Springs at the Flat Iron. I haven't been able to get my Myspace going for a while. haha. But anywayz I loved your music and style! You had mentioned that you were coming to Laramie. Give me the heads up before you are here!! I'd love to be involved.
Hi Scott, How are you? Your Overboard song is quite moving...So where is the new CD brother?? Just leaving us all hanging in anticipation!! Hope you come out this way to play again soon! Peace and love, Carrie
Hey big dog. Hope all is well and you are still trail blazin'. I think we are gonna try and come see the big boss man at Swallow Hill in June. What do ya think about them apples?
Thanks for your lovely note... I met you briefly after you played at Meadowlark in Denver about a year ago...good times, beautiful vibes...Hoping to experience your music, and the amazing energy you put behind it, again soon. Love.Light.
Hey Scott, Stopping by for a fix of your magical music. Hows the new cd coming along?? Love the video here! Thought of you recently as I opened for a Rob Mattson concert! Hoping for you and Taylor to return...now "wouldn't that be fine"!!! Love and light my friend, C.
I control nothing in the Denver scene, but my need to stay connected. It's more like being under a spell with artists like yourself that control me, and I love it when it consumes me. It makes me feel alive. It makes me feel. It makes me.
Aw....SEE!!!
Scott, great to hear from you. LOVE the video! Seriously!
Mr. Von. Thanks for the add. I dig your music. "Long Gone" has such a sick groove! I love it. I hope you enjoy the new music posted on my page! Take care.
How's it going Scott? I'm going to be visiting the front range at the end of the month and I was wondering where I could pick up one of your new CD's. I would come to your show at the tasting room but I'm headed to Snowbird to get some tracks in. What stores are currently selling your new album? Farmer Ben
thank you so much for playing my dad's party! it was awesome and I will always remember it :) I loved all the stories (and tunes as well) .... take care
Hello Scott, so a new cd is on the way...I can't wait!! I see you are still keeping that impressive gig list! Rock on brother! Peace and warm wishes to you my friend, Carrie
