First Name

Scott

College/University:

western mich u / wayne state u

I am here for:

Gigs, Job Inquiries, Educational Purposes, Networking

Whom I want to meet:

Anyone like myself, who lives and breathes Jazz music.

Employment Status

Employed

Occupation:

freelance jazz pianist / composer-arranger / university educator

Employer:

Wayne County Community College / me (freelance)

About Me:

Hello, I am on the scene in South-western Michigan, centralized around Detroit, MI. For those out of town, it's actually a great scene with plenty of clubs and outstanding musicians.

I freelance as a jazz pianist (and trombone, but not so much anymore) and work as a jazz composer / arranger. I have 5 Detroit Music Awards to my name for my work. I have a 16-piece Jazz Orchestra (Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra) that has played internationally and won numerous awards. I write for this group, filled with Detroit's best musicians. We just recorded our 2nd record in April 2009. As an educator, I worked full-time at University of Toledo, and part-time for Bowling Green State U. I now run the jazz department at Wayne County Community College. I work daily to improve myself in all-aspects of a musician and a person, and think about jazz constantly, even after 20 years of professional experience.

Musical Background & Experience:

Studied Jazz Piano with Detroit legends, Bess Bonnier and Matt Michaels as a youngster. Apprenticed later with bassist John Clayton.

Studied formally at Western Michigan U and Wayne State U (Bachelor's and Master's Degree)

Have played with many great jazz musicians locally and nationally- Billy Hart, Joe Lovano, Steve Turre, Terrell Stafford, and Jon Hendricks to name a few. I was Jon's music director for 3 years.

Have composed over 300 works ranging from orchestral to large jazz ensemble to solo piano works for children.

Website:

http://www.wsgmusic.com

Why I love jazz:

Too many reasons to put in a sentence.

Music:

I love any good music; I seem to keep coming back to Jazz.

Top 5 Desert Island Discs:

5?!

In'n Out- Joe Henderson
Miles Ahead- Miles Davis
Unity- Larry Young
E.S.P.- Miles Davis
Legrand Jazz- Michele LeGrand

Books:

Ulysses- James Joyce (Love it, but it's a tough read)
Miles Davis Autobiography- Miles and Quincy Troupe
World According to Garp- John Irving

Television:

Curb Your Enthusiasm
The Office
The Simpsons

Movies:

Amalie
Groundhog Day
The Godfather
The Shining