Musician Jim Scott Brings a Musical Celebration of the Earth to UNCW
2/7/2005 12:04:11 PM
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Feb. 7, 2005
Wilmington, N.C. – Acclaimed acoustic guitarist Jim Scott will perform with the University of North Carolina Wilmington Chamber Singers at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20 at the Church of the Servant, located at 4925 Oriole Road. This event is free.
Scott makes a case for harmony in the world with an evening of his songs of peace and the environment. His compositions have a jazz/world folk music styling and some great guitar technique accompaniment. With insight and more than a little humor, Scott intersperses original songs and readings with his reflections on spiritual and ecological awareness. Scott's musical output runs from lyrical songs and instrumentals to choral compositions. The performer's work on songs such as "Common Ground" and the "Missa Gaia/Earth Mass" with the illustrious Paul Winter Consort pushed him into the national spotlight. Paul Winter said of his long time collaborator, "his music sings of the life spirit." He has since collaborated with top jazz, classical and folk artists, plus appears often with concert choirs. Pete Seeger said of Scott's guitar virtuosity, "(Jim is) some kind of a magician."
Scott’s most recent project has been compiling “The Earth and Spirit Songbook,” an anthology of songs of earth and peace. He has added many of these songs to his concert repertoire. Scott considers himself a contemporary folk artist in the sense that folk music represents people with a positive and hopeful spirit. "Folk follows a long tradition of social commentary," Scott said. "It's the voice of the people. That's what I like to think I'm representing."
Scott’s musical, "The Tree and Me," has been staged at colleges in New York and Michigan. He also performs for children and has written songs with elementary school classes. "Big and Little Stuff - Songs for Kids" marks Scott’s 5th recording of original songs released on CD. He has taught at numerous colleges, including Oberlin College in Ohio, and has conducted workshops throughout the country. "My messages are of ecology and social conscience, but also of optimism," Scott said. "I believe in the power of song and self-expression for change."
Joe Hickman is an associate professor of music at UNCW in choral ensembles, conducting, and voice. Hickman is director of the University Concert Choir and Chamber Singers groups. The university choirs have toured extensively both in the United States and in Western Europe. Hickman also writes choral reviews and articles for the Choral Journal and has had a number of scholarly performing editions published with Masterworks Press of Olympia, Washington.
For additional information about UNCW Department of Music sponsored events call the events hotline at 910/962-7416 or visit the Department of Music Web site at www.uncw.edu/music.
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Scott
Hickman
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