Barry O’Sullivan
Andrew Scott is an experienced performer, talented arranger and formidable composer. Having graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with a Bachelor’s in Music Performance, he went on to pursue his passion for film scoring with a Graduate Diploma from the Australian Film and Television School. Since then he has excelled in the industry as both an in-demand session musician and a prolific composer, scoring for television programmes, commercials and documentaries. Andrew, who is as comfortable on the stage of a jazz club as he is producing scores in the studio, balances his easy-going attitude with an industrious work ethic. He is the bandleader of the jazz ensemble The Pocket Trio.
What are your earliest childhood musical experiences and memories that led you to play the piano?
I had classical piano lessons from a young age, but, like many students, I lost motivation and gave it up. I still enjoyed sitting at my parents’ upright piano and exploring the keys. Eventually I resumed lessons, but this time, I explored jazz and contemporary music. I loved playing the theme songs of my favourite TV shows or playing simple pieces that had sections for improvisation. I joined my high school big band on saxophone, then I was hooked. I was fortunate to have had some truly exceptional music teachers throughout my life.
What are some of the highlights of your musical journey so far?
My major highlight is the lifelong friendships that I have made along the way. There is a real community feel to the jazz scene in Sydney and I’m just so proud of (and grateful for) all my talented friends!
3. You are employed in a variety of creative musical situations, but what does jazz mean to you?
That’s an interesting question. You could define jazz by the freedom of improvisation, but I still think the language and aesthetics of jazz are important. Ultimately, it’s a riff that was started by the greats like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington and we’re still playing with those ideas today.
What is your latest creative project and how did it evolve?
The Pocket Trio has just released a collaborative album with four of our favourite jazz vocalists: Kate Wadey, Tilly Street, Edo Santoni and Monica Trapaga. We used to host guest vocalists from time to time at our regular Tuesday gig and from there we developed a few arrangements and approaches. I read this great book by Madeleine Dore, I Didn’t Do The Thing Today, which helped me shed some of the hesitation and encouraged me to embark on the project in whatever way I could.
You are chilling at home on a Sunday evening and want to listen to some of your favourite music. What would you choose?
I rarely get to choose, as I have a four-year-old daughter who loves musical theatre and currently we have the soundtrack to Wicked playing on repeat. I’ve got a nice little collection of Australian jazz vinyl at home, so I’d probably put on a record by Graeme Bell or John Sangster.