Rhoda Scott

Rhoda Scott ( born July 3, 1938 in Dorothy, New Jersey ) is an African- American hard bop and soul - jazz organist.

Life and work

As the daughter of a pastor of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Scott spent most of her childhood in New Jersey, where she learned to play the organ in the churches where her father was employed since their 7th year. Soon she was organist for youth and gospel choirs at her father's church or in other churches. Later, Scott studied classical piano. She focused more on the organ and earned a Masters degree in music theory at the Manhattan School of Music. During this time she was asked by a choir member to participate in a small band as a jazz pianist. Under the condition of the organ, instead of playing the piano, she agreed. At the Hammond organ, it was an outstanding jazz musician with time.

" It really is the most beautiful musical instrument in the world," she said about the organ. " The first thing I did was take off my shoes, and operate the pedals. " From then on, she played the church organ barefoot. To this day, she continues this practice, which earned her the nickname " The Barefoot Lady". She is a role model for many, the organ also play barefoot today. Due to their church training Scott uses the pedals to play walking bass lines. Thus it has the left hand free for more sophisticated chords.

Rhoda Scott was discovered by Count Basie, who hired her for his club in Harlem. In 1967 she moved to France, where success was far greater than in the United States. She has appeared in the Paris Olympia and corresponded with many variables, such as Ray Charles, George Benson, Ella Fitzgerald, Kenny Clarke and Gilbert Becaud on stage. In the 1970s, it was often accompanied by Joe Thomas (flute / tenor saxophone) and Cees Kranenburg Jr. (drums).

Rhoda Scott's music is a dynamic fusion of jazz, gospel and classical, reflecting both their early practice, as well as their formal training resist. Arthur Rubinstein called it a "great virtuoso ."

Discography (selection)

• " Come Bach To Me " (Universal Music France, 1971)
• Jazz in Paris - Rhoda Scott & Kenny Clarke ( Emarcy / Gitanes, 1977)
• " The look of love - A Tribute to Burt Bacharach " ( DJAZ DISTRIB, 2009)