The blues-rock player has influences of jazz that led him to the style of playing and composing that he is now famous for. We speak to Scott Henderson in an exclusive interview on his visit to Bengaluru for a performance at blueFROG in association with Sandeep Chowta Projects featuring Scott Henderson Trio with Romain Labaye, Archibald Ligonniere and Scott Henderson himself.
Scott studied music at Florida Atlantic University and moved to Los Angeles. He toured and recorded with Chick Corea’s Elektric Band, violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, and worked with Weather Report’s Joe Zawinul. He recorded two albums with the Zawinul Syndicate, (The Immigrants and Black Water) and formed the legendary band Tribal Tech with bassist Gary Willis, and recorded 10 albums (including Tribal Tech X).
“I started out when I was 10 and went on to study music at MI in Los Angeles. The turning point was when I first heard Led Zeppelin and fell in love with his music. I was influenced by every single genre-from pop to jazz to classical and rock. I can name a 100 people who influenced me in each genre, but Jazz probably has been the biggest. I love Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Ritchie Blackmore and blues guitarist Albert King,” states Scott.
The trio has played with famous jazz-fusion ensembles: Jean Luc Ponty Band, Chick Corea Electric Band and Zawinul Syndicate and formed the rock fusion super group Tribal Tech. Scott is an instructor and guitar mentor at Musicians Institute (MI), LA and released his Vibe Station album last year.
Growing up in an era where blues-rock was at its peak, his formative years took place in South Florida playing everything from Led Zeppelin to James Brown. About his Bengaluru visit this week and his performance, Scott shares, “Everyone can relate to my music as it has strong blues and jazz notes. It’s not music that no one can tap their foot to. It has a different harmony and isn’t your typical pop as there are lots of different chords. From a harmonics stand point, the music is complex and from the rhythmic stand point, there’s blues and funk. Even those who’re not jazz fanatics always love my music.”
Scott has been named as the #1 Jazz Guitarist and his first solo blues album Dog Party won best blues album. The trio has toured the world extensively in over 50 countries. About his future plans, he adds, “I want to keep touring and keep making lots of records.”
