Ten Questions for KIM SCOTT
1. How old were you when you first started playing flute?
I began playing flute in the 5th grade at the age of 10 years old. Prior to that, I started on piano and quickly advanced on the instrument before learning violin. When I picked up the flute, however, I was totally captivated by the shiny, petite instrument! I was intrigued so much that I only wanted to focus on learning it so I put the other instruments on the back burner for a while. My mother is a classically trained pianist and a retired music educator and my father played saxophone. They even had a pretty famous band back in the 70s called The Dynamic Soul Machine, which was signed to the famous Stax Records. So, music has always been important to me and my family, and it was constantly present in my home when I was growing up.
2. Who was/is your biggest musical inspiration?
I was greatly inspired by Dave Valentin. When I was in high school I was given one of his CDs entitled "Tropic Heat" and I became obsessed with it. I adored his tone on the flute and his pristine technique, and I made it a point to learn every song on that CD by ear! From then on I knew that I wanted to be as solid on the flute as he was. I studied Classical Flute in high school at a performing arts school in Alabama, and then I went on to get a bachelor's degree in Classical Flute Performance and a master's degree in Classical Flute Performance and Pedagogy. It was my classical studies that allowed me to develop my tone and technique, and it helped me find my voice in music!
3. Where do you make your home?
I live in Birmingham, Alabama where I was born and raised! I never thought I'd come back to Alabama after going to graduate school out of state, but a wonderful job opportunity working in the arts brought me back. I love the Southern hospitality, charm, and culture of my city, and am so glad that I came back to the "Magic City" for which Birmingham is nicknamed. I love it so much that I named my latest single after it, "Magic City Streets"!
4. Do you have any pets?
I do not currently have pets because I travel so much these days, but I am absolutely a dog lover! Before I had my son I bought a white poodle and his name was Miles Davis. Boy did I love that dog! Whenever I do slow down I'm going to get another dog; probably a French Bulldog!
5. What is the best concert/gig you have ever done?
The best concert I've ever played was Catalina Island JazzTrax! First of all, it takes place in the most beautiful Casino Ballroom off Catalina Island. But second of all, the audience was incredibly good to me! They were so enthusiastic; dancing and singing along! I even got a couple of standing ovations that day. However, any concert I play where I can engage fans and bring them joy is the best concert for me! I love performing live!
6. What is the best concert you have ever attended?
There are two concerts that I've attended that I'll never forget! I attended a concert by Gregory Porter and another by Esperanza Spalding that left me speechless! The way they connect with their audiences is commendable! They have so much passion and musicianship that just oozes from their vocal cords and fingers. You're just captivated from the first note to the last and it is truly an experience in time that you'll never forget. That's how I feel about my performances. I want my audiences to walk away with the feeling that they've just experienced something really special in real time!
7. Do you have an all-time favourite song or album?
Yes! My all-time favorite song is "Here's to Life" by Shirley Horn! It gives me chills EVERY time I hear it. Her voice, the strings, the lyrics......timeless!
8. What musician would you still most like to work with?
I'd love to work with Joe Sample and George Duke if they were still here! Can we go back in time?
9. If you weren't a musician what would you be?
If I weren't a musician, I'd want to be a musician! LOL! That's all I ever wanted to do in life and I'm so honored that I'm living my dream! I live and breathe music!
10. What is your favourite thing about Vancouver?
I haven't been to Vancouver yet, but I'd love to come and perform there! I do have friends there, however. They work at a station called Wave 98.3 and they're so good to me! I hope to meet them very soon!