They just pop out. Sorta.
Hello and welcome. This series of web pages serves as a reminder to myself, and as a portal for you, kind web surfer, into the musical "arc" of Mark Scott of Scottunes Music. In my early twenties I pursued music full-time, for about a year, and I concluded that I was not articulate nor flashy enough of a performer (and I was unwilling to sacrifice my personal freedom and privacy) to be a "star". My talents were more sublime. Except for a few years as a young man, physically I was always a bit gawky, certainly no "looker", but indeed I had the strength and courage that my gift gave me to persevere.
What I discovered I am good at, when I was fairly young, is inventing chord progressions and melody lines where none existed before. Wow! Songs!
When I took piano lessons as a child, I enjoyed the instrument and its tonality, its chords, and I ♥ melody lines... but learned quickly that reading music is difficult! I had neither the time nor patience for it then. Luckily for me one doesn't need that kind of technical information to understand and appreciate the nuances of musicality. You need an ear and a spark. It discovered that spark within myself. But reading music, no... that's MUCH more complex.
I did not major in music in post-secondary schools because I did not want to scrutinize other writers too closely, for fear of not being able to find my own way as a writer. It may have been folly, but that was my reasoning at the time. I didn't turn off the radio. I didn't quit enjoying the music of others to any degree other than to refuse to analyze. To say we are not influenced by what we hear and "live through" is also folly, of course. I have managed to discover new songs, well-rounded and vital. I have this knack...
Anyway, I encourage you to look around, this is a relatively new site and rather personal in places. It is not a means to "show off", nor to convince, but to allow those who may be interested in some of the inner workings of a composer who, like Picasso, might only "sell" one song before shuffling off of this mortal coil.
Please do not mistake confidence for arrogance. I am a persistent person. I am a common man. But I have certainly created some uncommon music.
Yours,
Mark Scott
April 2010
Progress
In the fall, my song "Go Plant a Tree" will be included in a CD of "green" children's songs associated with the "Giggles the Green Bean" book written by Lauren Davis and illustrated by Michael Vincent Fusco. Proceeds go to benefit the Save a Tree Foundation.
COMING SOON!
Clearwater Chorus' April 25th show at Ruth Eckerd's main stage went quite well, based on audience attendance and feedback. The director, James Urbanski, picked some challenging but beautiful numbers. It's always nice to dress up in a tuxedo! It's a great learning experience and a wonderful world-class venue (where we just saw RINGO and friends)! The director for next season has been chosen from the three that "auditioned" - Mr. Bob Drick!
Working with lyricist Jasper Hale we hit one out of the park in the country-styled "You Should've Said No". Very proud of it, and have big hopes for it. Likely to be included in an upcoming CD I plan to put out. More on that later as it develops.
AMBIENT MUSIC - Need ambient (tasteful background) music for your special parties and events? I am available to play pretty, original music compositions on piano for you to enhance the mood. With or without accompanist.
Go to the AMBIENT page to hear some examples!
On July 23rd, I was invited by guitarist/singer Bradley Brown to sit in on bass with his band -- The Insiders -- at The Inn in Dunedin. With no rehearsal I "winged" my way through four hours of rock and roll and much to Bradley's surprise, I expect, also helped him out with some apt harmony vocals. The crowd was dancing and receptive and I don't believe anyone knew that I had NEVER played all but a couple of those songs on bass before that night. I guess those years in the VIPs and the Inmates paid off!
Cheers
Mark Scott, All Rights Reserved.