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Guitarist Mark Scott III - Soft Light (Three Miller Publishing) Mark Scott III is a jazz guitarist based out of Austin, Texas. Working regularly as both a leader and a sideman, he has performed in many notable venues and festivals across Texas, including Monk’s Jazz Club, Parker Jazz Club, Stubb’s Amphitheater, The Mohawk, Denton Arts & Jazz Festival, & others. He has been fortunate enough to share the stage with jazz luminaries Branford Marsalis, Helen Sung, Rodney Whitaker, John Fedchock, and others. He has also contributed his talents to numerous recording sessions at esteemed studios such as The Panhandle House, 5th Street Studios, and Cedar Creek Recordings. He currently works as a professor at Tarleton State University, where he directs Jazz Ensemble II, maintains a studio of guitarists, and teaches a Popular Music in America course. Mark holds a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas and a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. He served as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Texas under the guidance of Diego Rivera, where he taught Beginning Jazz Improvisation and led jazz small groups. Mark has also served as a judge for the TMEA All-State jazz guitar competition and as a Teaching Assistant for the Brevard Jazz Institute Summer Festival, where he mentored students alongside notable jazz educators. Mark Scott III’s debut jazz trio album Soft Light explores the varieties of the human experience, from the seemingly mundane to the depths of sorrow and joy. Catalyzed by a sudden loss in his family, Mark composed a suite of original compositions dedicated to his loved ones who have passed, as well as to the life he has now. Both tender and resilient, Soft Light embodies the trials, tribulations, and lessons that life has to offer, and “is a very impressive debut that makes one look forward to Mark Scott III’s future projects.” (Scott Yanow) The beauty of Soft Light lies not in the novelty of a debut, but in the maturity and depth that Scott brings to every track. The album speaks to the artist’s journey—marked by emotional depth, technical growth, and a true sense of creative freedom. Rather than focusing on the typical hallmarks of a first release, Soft Light showcases Scott’s fully formed artistic vision, supported by a wealth of personal experiences and a refined musical voice. Scott showcases a clear and distinct artistic identity that blends creativity, maturity, and joy with a sense of vulnerability. The depth of his compositions highlights his journey of overcoming personal challenges, including a pinched nerve and the loss of his stepbrother. Raised in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, Scott’s musical tastes initially leaned toward hip-hop and classic rock. His journey into jazz began at age 12, influenced by seminal records like John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme and Pat Metheny’s Still Life (Talking). Though he started playing guitar around that time, his love for jazz took root in college. Before immersing himself in jazz, Scott was an indie and alternative rock musician, writing songs and performing as a singer-songwriter. He later embraced jazz during his studies at the University of North Texas, where he earned a degree in Jazz Studies, before completing his Master’s at the University of Texas in Austin. The thrill of jazz for Scott lies in its unpredictability; each performance offers something new, and when the music truly connects, it creates an incomparable experience. Since then, he has become an integral part of the Austin jazz scene, leading bands, working as a sideman, and contributing to numerous studio recordings. As Scott’s musical journey continued, the desire to collaborate naturally progressed, leading to his meeting with bassist Ben Triesch and drummer Mike Gordon. Shortly after moving to Austin, Scott connected with bassist Ben Triesch and drummer Mike Gordon, and the trio quickly developed a remarkable chemistry through frequent collaborations. Ben provides a solid foundation for the group, blending creativity with a strong sense of support, while Mike’s dynamic range and spontaneous orchestration create a sensitive musical environment that allows the group to thrive. Playing with Ben and Mike felt natural from the beginning, and their cohesive interplay became the backbone of Soft Light. Each track on Soft Light captures a unique facet of Scott’s emotional journey, showcasing both the lighter and deeper sides of life. The album begins with “Carpals, ” an upbeat piece that captures Scott’s struggles with wrist pain. The bright melody and inventive chord voicings embody both the physical challenge and the resilience needed to overcome it. “Food Court” follows, providing a peaceful and reflective tone, inspired by Scott’s time spent composing in a mall. The track captures the feeling of passively observing the world, a snapshot of everyday life. “Rhythm-Ding” is a whimsical and swinging homage to Thelonious Monk’s “Rhythm-A-Ning, ” showcasing Scott’s appreciation for Monk’s unique style. It brings a playful, intricate energy to the album’s first half. “News Blues” continues with a slightly modified medium-tempo blues, reflecting on the overwhelming flow of social media information and the relief that comes from stepping away from it. This piece includes a remarkable solo from Mike Gordon on brushes, adding a subtle yet impactful touch. “Sneak Peak” closes out the album’s first half with a burst of minor-toned energy, evoking the thrill of skiing or racing down a hill—an expression of the highs of everyday moments. “Monster Beat” serves as the turning point, featuring groove-heavy, funky rhythms and adventurous guitar lines. This track bridges the two halves, transitioning the listener into a more profound emotional terrain. The introspective ballad “Soft Light” opens the second half, using gentle melodies to evoke the lingering presence of those who have passed. “Smile” shifts the mood with its medium tempo, highlighting the importance of persistence in the face of adversity. “Warmth” captures the comforting familiarity of a loved one through a sophisticated waltz, evoking memories of genuine affection and closeness. “Tomorrow” marks the turning point toward optimism, with an energizing melody that embodies the renewed hope that follows grief. The closing track, “The Sun Behind A Cloud, ” provides a fitting conclusion to the album, leaving listeners with a feeling of hope and the reassurance that brighter days lie ahead. Soft Light is an album that reveals Scott’s artistic maturity and emotional depth, blending technical mastery with genuine feeling. The journey through these tracks is intimate and expansive, capturing life’s everyday joys and profound challenges. Scott’s ability to convey complex emotions through inventive compositions makes this debut a powerful statement, leaving listeners eager for what he will create next. TRACK, TIMES: 1. Carpals 4:27 (Mark Miller Scott) 2. Food Court 4:02 (Mark Miller Scott) 3. Rhythm-Ding 3:43 (Mark Miller Scott) 4. News Blues 3:57 (Mark Miller Scott) 5. Sneak Peak 3:25 (Mark Miller Scott) 6. Monster Beat 2:46 (Mark Miller Scott) 7. Soft Light 4:47 (Mark Miller Scott) 8. Smile 4:04 (Mark Miller Scott) 9. Warmth 4:29 (Mark Miller Scott) 10. Tomorrow 3:35 (Mark Miller Scott) 11. The Sun Behind a Cloud 4:37 (Mark Miller Scott) PLAYER, INSTRUMENT: Mark Scott: guitar Ben Triesch (tree-sh): bass Mike Gordon: drums Artist: Mark Scott III Album: Soft Light Label Name: Miller Three Publishing Add Date: February 17, 2025 Street Date: February 21, 2025 Artist Website: https://markscottiii.com Soundcloud Link: https://soundcloud.com/mark-scott-419586889/sets/soft-light |
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