5 minute read
Kim Scott
Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell us who you are and what you do.
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A. Thank you for having me! My name is Kim Scott and I’m a professional classical and jazz flutist, and an Administrator at Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham, AL. I’m also a national jazz recording artist on the Innervision Records label and host of the nationally syndicated jazz radio program, “Kim Scott’s Block Party Radio Show!”
Q. Tell us a little bit about your journey and how you got to where you are today?
A. My journey began when I was in the single digits! I was influenced early on by my parents who are musicians. They kept all styles of music playing in our home, from classical to jazz to pop, which gave my brothers and I a strong appreciation for music. My mother started me on violin and piano around 5 years old and I moved to the flute at age 11. Once I picked up the flute, I became obsessed with it, practicing constantly. I decided at an early age that I wanted to be a flutist for the rest of my life, although I didn’t know what that would entail. Fast forward to my high school years. I attend a fine arts high school for music and decided to pursue music in college. I attended University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa on a full scholarship and received a BM in Music Performance.
I then attended Oklahoma State University on a full scholarship where I received a MM in Performance and Pedagogy. After college I was offered a position at my high school alma mater, Alabama School of Fine Arts, and I’ve been there now 23 years. I’m currently the flute instructor and Director of Student Support Services there. So how did I get into jazz if my training is in classical music? Because of my love for the genre, I chose to pursue jazz music due to the lack of flutists featured on the jazz airwaves. I wanted to be a voice for the instrument. My first album was quite a success, so I took that as a sign that I needed to continue on that path. Now, I have 3 number one Billboard hits under my belt and I’m releasing my 5th album this year.
Q. Let’s talk about your album “Shine” and the motivation behind it?
A. “SHINE!” is my 5th album on the Innervision Records label. I’m so proud and excited to release this project to the world and I really do believe it shines! It’s a feel-good, toe-tapping, creative body of work that I think people will love. My inspiration was to write a body of work that inspires people and makes them feel good on the inside! I collaborated with producers Kelvin Wooten (produced music for H.E.R., J Cole, Jill Scott), Greg Manning, and Adam Hawley, all very notable producers and musicians in the industry. I’m also, proud that I cowrote 8 of the 10 songs on the album and that notable features include Jonathan Butler, Althea Rene, Ragan Whiteside and Blake Aaron.
Q. Who are some of your biggest inspirations in Jazz?
A. Some of my greatest inspirations in jazz are Hubert Laws, George Duke, and Shirley Horn. They all have something in common that makes them very special to me and that is their ability to create soulstirring moments in music with their signature tones and styles. Music should move you; it should never leave you the same way you were before hearing it.
Q. Can you give us more details on the “Seabreeze Jazz Festival” that you will be performing at?
A. Seabreeze Jazz Festival is one of the largest and most reputable jazz festivals in the US. It’s an honor to
return to their stage again since my solo performance there in 2015! The festival takes place in Panama City, FL, April 21-24, and it brings in over 100,000 people in attendance. The performance roster features top national/international jazz artists and bands. I’ll be performing this year with the all-female jazz supergroup, Jazz in Pink!
Q. Let’s talk about your tour and what the fans can expect about this tour?
A. I’m excited about the 2022 tour and look forward to seeing all the fans again! I’ll be performing a lot of the new music from “SHINE!” as well as music from my other 4 CD’s that have become fan favorites. My band and I plan to set the stages on fire! I’ll be performing all over the country, including California, Virginia, Connecticut, Florida and more. There are a couple international dates as well. Fans can find out more about my tour schedule at www.kimscottmusic.com.
Q. Do you have a name for your flute? What makes it so unique?
A. I actually don’t have a name for my flute yet. It’s only a year old and I’m still getting to know “her!” I was recently endorsed by Miyazawa flutes as one of their performing artists, so my newest flute is a Miyazawa Vision. Come to think of it, “Vision” would be quite the name and makes a strong statement. Perhaps I should call her that!
Q. What has been one of your greatest accomplishments you’ve received in career?
A. My greatest accomplishments thus far are having the #2 Song of the Year on Billboard this year for smooth jazz, being named Breakout Artist of the Year by Smooth Jazz Network, and securing my third #1 Billboard hit. 2021 was very good to me!
Q. Are you working on any new events or upcoming projects?
A. Other than getting ready for the tour, I’m preparing to premiere a work that was commissioned for me by the University of Alabama. I’ll be soloing with their Wind Ensemble and I’m super excited about it. The composer’s name is Patrick Harper, and the work is titled, “Blue Odyssey!”
Q. Where can the readers follow you?
A. Readers can follow me on Facebook at Kim Scott Music, and on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok @kscottflute. Also, fans can follow my stations on Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora. To subscribe to my newsletter, visit at www. kimscottmusic.com!
