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Kendrick Scott
Kendrick Scott
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Key Information

Kendrick Scott (born July 8, 1980) is an American jazz drummer, bandleader, and composer. He is the founder of the record label World Culture Music.

Biography

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Kendrick A.D. Scott was born and raised in Houston. The first encounters Kendrick had with the drums were in church, where his parents, Kenneth and Stepheny, and older brother were involved in the music ministry. Scott was later accepted to Houston's famed High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) where his high school career culminated in many awards - the most notable being The Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Fellowship, given by the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) and The National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts. Upon graduation from high school in 1998, Kendrick was awarded a scholarship to attend the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, majoring in Music Education. Since graduating from Berklee in 2002,[1] Scott has performed with a variety of name artists including the Jazz Crusaders, guitarist Pat Metheny, saxophonists Joe Lovano and Kenny Garrett, vocalists Dianne Reeves, Lizz Wright, Gretchen Parlato and trumpeter Terence Blanchard, to name a few. He also was a member of the Berklee-Monterey Quartet, performing at the legendary Monterey Jazz Festival in 1999-2000, 2002 and 2007.

Scott’s debut recording with his group Oracle recorded The Source in 2006, including pianists Aaron Parks and Robert Glasper, guitarist Lionel Loueke, vocalist Gretchen Parlato, and others. Scott also performed with the Terence Blanchard Quintet on the album A Tale of God’s Will (A Requiem for Katrina) (2007), which was nominated for two Grammy Awards for 2008. Kendrick was a member of the band that accompanied Terence Blanchard to the Monterey Jazz Festival’s 50th anniversary in 2007, and Scott embarked on the 22-state tour, starting in January, 2008 with the 50th Anniversary MJF All-Star Band. It featured the leaders of the past, present and future with Terence Blanchard on trumpet, James Moody on saxophone, Benny Green on piano, Derrick Hodge on bass, and jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon.[2]

Scott also currently plays with the Charles Lloyd Quartet, featuring alongside Reuben Rogers on bass, and Gerald Clayton on piano.[3][4]

Selective discography

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As leader

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Year recorded Title Label Year released
2006–07 The Source World Culture Music 2007
2008 Reverence Criss Cross Jazz 2010
2013? Conviction World Culture Music 2013
2015? We Are the Drum Blue Note 2015
2019? A Wall Becomes a Bridge Blue Note 2019

[5]

As group

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Blue Note All Stars

  • Our Point of View (Blue Note, 2017)[2CD]

As sideman

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Leader Title Label Year
David Doruzka Hidden Paths Cube-Metier 2004
Terence Blanchard Flow Blue Note 2005
Patrick Cornelius Lucid Dream Acoustic Recording 2006
Danny Grissett Promise Criss Cross Jazz 2006
Terence Blanchard A Tale of God’s Will (A Requiem for Katrina) Blue Note 2007
Chihiro Yamanaka Abyss Verve 2007
Mike Moreno Third Wish Criss Cross Jazz 2008
Lage Lund Early Songs Criss Cross Jazz 2008
Myron Walden Momentum Demi Sound 2009
Terence Blanchard Choices Concord 2009
Gretchen Parlato In a Dream ObliqSound 2009
Will Vinson Stockholm Syndrome Criss Cross 2010
Myron Walden To Feel Demi Sound 2010
Myron Walden What We Share Demi Sound 2010
Chihiro Yamanaka Forever Begins Verve 2010
Michal Bugala 1st Touch Hudobný Fond 2010
Mike Moreno First in Mind Criss Cross Jazz 2011
Gretchen Parlato The Lost and Found ObliqSound 2011
Walter Smith III Still Casual Self Produced 2015

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kendrick Scott (born July 8, 1980) is an American jazz , , , educator, and founder of the World Culture Music. Born in , , he grew up in a family of musicians and began playing at age eight, initially in church and ensembles. Scott attended Houston's High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where he honed his skills in wind, percussion, and jazz ensembles. In 1998, he received a scholarship to in , majoring in music education and performing with various groups during his studies. After graduating in 2002, he relocated to , where he joined Blanchard's quintet in 2003 and contributed to the Grammy-nominated album Flow (2005) and the Grammy-winning album A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem for Katrina) (2007). As a bandleader, Scott launched World Culture Music in 2007 with the debut album The Source by his group Oracle, followed by releases including Conviction (2013), We Are the Drum (2015), and A Wall Becomes a Bridge (2019). He has also recorded with luminaries like , , and Charles Lloyd, and in 2023 released the trio album Corridors on featuring saxophonist and bassist Reuben Rogers; he was featured on Motion II by Out Of/Into (2024). An acclaimed educator, Scott serves on the faculty at and has received honors such as Magazine's student awards and the / Award from the International Association of Jazz Educators.

Early Life and Education

Early Life

Kendrick Scott was born on July 8, 1980, in , . He grew up in a deeply musical family, with his parents, Stepheny and Kenneth, actively involved in the Baptist church music ministry—his mother as a classical who also performed and wedding music, and his father serving as the sound man for the church choir. His older brother, ten years his senior, played piano and organ, further immersing the household in music. Scott's introduction to drumming came early, around age six, when his parents recognized his fascination with during church rehearsals and provided him with a practice pad, sticks, and lessons from the church drummer. By age eight, he had earned a full set and began performing in church bands, blending traditional and contemporary styles within 's network of mega-churches. His initial influences drew from this environment, encompassing alongside R&B and classical elements from his family's eclectic tastes, while local drummers like and began shaping his technical approach. As a teenager, Scott's interests expanded into through informal exposure, including his mother's collection, and he started gigging in local scenes. This groundwork led him to enroll at Houston's High School for the Performing and (HSPVA), where he immersed himself in ensembles and won several Student Music Awards for his performances. At HSPVA from 1994 to 1998, he auditioned with a unique rendition of Miles Davis's "" and regularly played three to four gigs per week, honing his skills alongside future collaborators and under the guidance of visiting artists.

Education

Scott attended the High School for the Performing and (HSPVA) in , where he immersed himself in its renowned program, honing his drumming skills through rigorous training and ensemble work. While at HSPVA, he earned multiple Magazine student awards for outstanding performance, as well as the / Fellowship from the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE), recognizing his exceptional talent as a young . Upon graduating from HSPVA in 1998, Scott received a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where he enrolled and majored in Music Education. At Berklee, he studied under influential faculty and participated in various ensembles, gaining early professional exposure through national and international performances, including appearances with the Berklee-Monterey Quartet at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1999 and 2000. Scott graduated from Berklee in 2002 with a degree in Music Education, having developed a strong foundation in and that informed his subsequent career.

Professional Career

Early Collaborations and Sideman Work

Following his graduation from , Kendrick Scott relocated to in 2003 to immerse himself in the professional scene. There, he began frequenting key venues like The Jazz Gallery, where he performed as a and forged connections with established and emerging musicians, laying the groundwork for his ascent in the city's competitive ecosystem. Scott's breakthrough came through his association with trumpeter , joining the quintet and providing drums on the 2005 Blue Note release Flow, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Album; Scott also composed the album's acclaimed track "The Source." He continued this role on Blanchard's 2007 album A Tale of God’s Will (A Requiem for Katrina), a poignant response to that won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Small Group, highlighting Scott's precise and emotive playing in high-profile settings. Beyond Blanchard, Scott's early sideman work included touring and recording with vocalist , contributing to Elling's sophisticated quartet sound during live performances and studio sessions. He also joined the Jazz Crusaders in 2003, spending three years on the road with the iconic ensemble led by and , which exposed him to fusion-inflected traditions and international audiences. These partnerships, alongside early musical ties to fellow native and tenor saxophonist from their shared Berklee circles, underscored Scott's growing versatility. Scott further elevated his profile through festival appearances, including performances at the with the Berklee-Monterey Quartet in 2002 and as for the 50th Anniversary All-Stars in 2007, where he backed luminaries like and vocalist Nnenna Freelon in celebratory sets blending and modern . These engagements not only honed his ensemble skills but also positioned him as a sought-after amid New York's evolving landscape.

Formation of Oracle and Bandleading

In 2006, Kendrick Scott founded his ensemble Kendrick Scott Oracle as a collective featuring rotating members, including tenor saxophonist and pianist , marking his transition to bandleading and composition. The group drew inspiration from jazz traditions, emphasizing group dynamics over individual stardom, with Scott describing the band itself as the "oracle" that conveys messages through music rather than dictating answers. To facilitate independent releases, Scott established the World Culture Music record label, which debuted with Oracle's first album, The Source, in 2007; the recording explored spiritual themes through eclectic compositions blending post-bop with global influences. Following a period of sideman work, Scott reconvened Oracle for Conviction in 2013 on Concord Jazz, an album that delved into social issues and personal conviction, drawing on figures like Malcolm X and St. Francis of Assisi to examine themes of equality, peace, and balance. In 2015, the group expanded its reach by signing with Blue Note Records, releasing We Are the Drum, which addressed spirituality and collective empowerment, urging listeners to recognize individual impact on societal change. Scott's final Oracle album on Blue Note, A Wall Becomes a Bridge (2019), produced by bassist , tackled , , and unity, framing music as a metaphorical journey from division to connection amid personal and political obstacles. His bandleading philosophy centered on collective improvisation, where musicians like saxophonist John Ellis and guitarist Mike Moreno contributed equally to arrangements, fostering thematic that healed and provoked reflection on social realities. This approach allowed Oracle to evolve fluidly, prioritizing communal expression over rigid structures in live performances and recordings.

Recent Projects and Developments

In response to the , Kendrick Scott adapted to restrictions through virtual performances, including participation in The Jazz Gallery's Lockdown Sessions series starting in April 2020, where he performed alongside artists like , Kris Davis, and Carmen Lundy in online concerts to maintain artistic output during lockdowns. These efforts coincided with compositional shifts toward introspection, as seen in his music exploring themes of isolation, loss, and renewal amid global uncertainty. A key outcome of this period was the 2023 release of Corridors on , Scott's third album with the label and his first as a trio with tenor saxophonist and bassist Reuben Rogers. Commissioned by The Jazz Gallery's 2020 Artist Fellowship Series, the album features eight original compositions and one arrangement, emphasizing intimate, ruminative interplay that reflects collective experiences of stagnation and empathy during the pandemic—such as the tribute piece "One Door Closes, Another Opens," honoring loved ones lost and those born in that era. Scott joined the SFJAZZ Collective around 2021, serving as drummer and contributing arrangements, such as on their 2023 album New Works Reflecting The Moment. As of 2025, he continues with the group, including workshopping material for a 2026 release. Scott's multimedia project Unearthed world premiered on May 12, 2023, in with DACAMERA, memorializing the Sugar Land 95—95 unidentified Black forced laborers unearthed in in 2018—integrating spoken-word poetry by Houston Emeritus Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, visuals by artist Robert Hodge, performances by the Del Sol String Quartet, and a jazz ensemble featuring Scott on drums, on saxophone, Joe Sanders on bass, and Paul Cornish on keys, with its West Coast debut on February 1, 2025, during the SFJAZZ season at the SFJAZZ Center. Post-2020, Scott has sustained collaborations with vocalists including , whom he cites among his current artistic partners, and has shared stages with in SFJAZZ Collective performances, such as the 2022 NEA Jazz Masters tribute concert. These efforts extend to international tours, including a 2023 European stint with saxophonist Jure Pukl in , and festival appearances like those with the SFJAZZ Collective across global venues.

Musical Style and Contributions

Influences and Drumming Approach

Kendrick Scott's drumming style draws deeply from his roots, which originated in his early exposure to in , where he began playing drums around age six or seven under the influence of his mother's role as a gospel choir director. This foundation instilled a "bottom-up" mentality prioritizing groove and feel over cymbal-heavy embellishments, blending syncopated rhythms and polyrhythms characteristic of Houston's drumming tradition. Among jazz drummers, Scott cites as his "north star," admiring Roach's melodic approach to the instrument, concise storytelling, and innovative integration of drums into harmonic structures, which transformed the drumset into a narrative voice rather than mere accompaniment. He also draws inspiration from for mastering vocabulary and bounce, for achieving strong grooves with minimalistic phrasing and strategic use of space, and —a fellow native and mentor—for rhythmic robustness and ensemble sensitivity honed through shared local influences like educator Craig Green. Additionally, Tony Williams initially captivated Scott, leading him to explore Roach's lineage and broader historical figures like Sid Catlett and . Scott's approach is versatile, merging precision with lyrical, intuitive phrasing that emphasizes dynamics, texture, and supportive role in ensemble , allowing him to flow seamlessly between detailed preparation and spontaneous reactivity. He subordinates the drums to the band's collective message, using space and color to enhance while maintaining a spiritual depth derived from fervor, often described as an "instrument of peace" focused on musical communication over technical display. This evolution began with -infused playing during high school at the Houston High School for Performing and , where he developed polyrhythmic coordination, progressed through Berklee of Music's fundamentals starting in 1999, and matured in live professional settings to convey emotional nuance and historical awareness. Peers have praised Scott's imaginative and versatile drumming, particularly in his Blue Note releases like Conviction (2013), where journalist Ken Micallef highlighted his ability to blend fervor with stylistic breadth as a "leading light" in contemporary . Trumpeter commended Scott's orchestration and creative class, noting his deep integration of jazz history, while fellow Eric emphasized his evolving sound and profound understanding of the instrument's democratic potential.

Compositions and Themes

Kendrick Scott's compositional style emphasizes original works that integrate standards with modern thematic elements, utilizing extended forms to create immersive, narrative-driven pieces. In his arrangements with the band , he incorporates collective input from ensemble members, fostering a collaborative process that shapes the music's structure and emotional depth. For instance, his debut album The Source features intricate, meandering compositions blending grooves with complex harmonies, including a contemplative reinterpretation of Björk's "107 Steps" to bridge contemporary pop sensibilities with . Recurring motifs in Scott's oeuvre center on and personal growth, evident in tracks like "The Source" and "Psalm" from his early work, which evoke introspective journeys through reflective melodies and percussive textures. The Conviction further explores themes of and faith, examining character and inner resolve through references to figures like St. and , with meditative arrangements that highlight spiritual and political empowerment. These elements underscore Scott's use of music as a vehicle for examining motivating forces in human experience. Unity and form another core thread, particularly in A Wall Becomes a Bridge, a 12-track that confronts division through motifs of innocence in "," fear in "," and resistance in "Plēh," while addressing systemic and political provocation. Similarly, Corridors emphasizes shared human commonalities and intimacy amid transition and loss, incorporating a fresh of Bobby Hutcherson's "Isn't This My Sound Around Me?" to evoke alliance and renewal in a chordless trio setting. Scott approaches these themes by weaving personal insights with broader global concerns, crafting narratives that invite interpretation and reflection without overt didacticism, often produced in with figures like to enhance thematic cohesion. This method ensures his compositions remain dynamic, balancing individual expression with communal resonance across his discography.

Recognition and Legacy

Awards and Honors

During his high school years at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Kendrick Scott received several student awards from DownBeat Magazine, recognizing his emerging talent as a drummer. He also earned the Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Award from the International Association for Jazz Education, a prestigious fellowship supporting young jazz musicians. These early accolades provided crucial validation and opportunities, paving the way for his studies at Berklee College of Music. In his professional career, Scott contributed as a to Blanchard's 2005 album Flow, which received Grammy nominations for Best Instrumental Album and Best Instrumental Composition ("Wandering"). He further appeared on Blanchard's 2007 release A Tale of God's Will (A New Orleans Suite), which won the Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition in 2009, highlighting Scott's role in high-profile ensembles. Additionally, in 2008, Scott was honored with the ASCAP Foundation Young Composer Award for his compositional work, affirming his growth as a multifaceted artist. Scott has been a featured artist at the on multiple occasions, including performances in 1999–2000, 2002, 2007, and 2023, often with his band or in collaborative settings that showcased his bandleading skills. In the 2016 Critics Poll, he was named a Rising Star in the drums category (tied), reflecting peer recognition of his innovative style amid established figures in . More recently, Scott's 2023 album Corridors, featuring saxophonist Walter Smith III and bassist Reuben Rogers, garnered positive critical reception in jazz outlets for its introspective trio explorations and emotional depth during the pandemic era. As of 2025, Scott continues to perform at major venues, including leading the Kendrick Scott Berklee Ensemble in February 2025 and being featured in the SFJAZZ 2024-25 season. While no major Grammy wins have followed for his leadership projects, ongoing invitations to festivals like Monterey underscore his sustained influence and demand in the contemporary jazz scene.

Teaching and Mentorship

Kendrick Scott has served as a faculty member at the since the 2010s, where he teaches drum set and leads small ensembles in the Arts department. His instruction emphasizes connecting technical proficiency on the drums with broader emotional and humanistic expression in jazz performance. Drawing from his in Music Education earned at in 2002, Scott maintains strong ties to the institution through guest lectures and masterclasses. He frequently leads ensembles featuring Berklee students, such as the Kendrick Scott Berklee Ensemble, providing hands-on guidance in composition and . Scott's mentorship extends beyond academia to workshops at jazz festivals and organizations, including masterclasses at The Jazz Gallery in New York, where he collaborates with emerging artists on ensemble dynamics. Through his band , he fosters a model that empowers young musicians by encouraging shared and creative input, helping them develop as bandleaders and composers. His teaching philosophy, often described as "command and surrender," prioritizes holistic training that balances rigorous technique with intuitive, moment-to-moment creativity, enabling students to infuse personal narratives into their playing. Many of Scott's have advanced in the contemporary scene, performing with leading ensembles and contributing to innovative recordings that reflect his emphasis on emotional depth and communal artistry.

Discography

As Leader

Scott's debut album as a leader, The Source (2007, World Culture Music), introduced his ensemble Kendrick Scott Oracle and featured original compositions emphasizing rhythmic innovation and spiritual undertones. His follow-up, Reverence (2009, Criss Cross Jazz), spotlighted a quintet including saxophonist Walter Smith III, guitarist Mike Moreno, pianist Gerald Clayton, and bassist Derrick Hodge, exploring introspective and dynamic interplay across standards and originals. The band's second recording, (2013, Concord Jazz), delved into themes of faith and conviction through a seamless suite of pieces inspired by figures like and , blending covers and originals with a core lineup of Smith III, Moreno, Clayton, and Joe Sanders. Marking his first release on a major label, We Are the Drum (2015, ) reunited Oracle with guests like vocalist and rapper , incorporating hip-hop influences and covers such as Flying Lotus's "" to highlight communal rhythms and cultural fusion. A Wall Becomes a Bridge (2019, ) expanded to a configuration, addressing social divisions and resilience through a 12-track cycle produced by Hodge, featuring spoken-word elements and contributions from artists like vocalist Magda Giannikou to evoke unity amid adversity. In Corridors (2023, ), Scott pared down to a trio with longtime collaborator Smith III on and Reuben Rogers, delivering an intimate exploration of and melodic dialogue across nine tracks.

As Group Member

Scott served as a core drummer in the Group, contributing to several albums that highlighted the ensemble's collaborative dynamics and innovative . On Flow (2005, ), released under Blanchard's leadership but featuring compositions from group members including Scott's standout track "The Source," the band included Blanchard on trumpet, on guitar, Brice Winston on saxophone, on piano, and on bass, emphasizing flowing, interconnected improvisations. He continued as a key member on A Tale of God's Will (A for Katrina) (2007, ), where the group's tight rhythmic foundation supported Blanchard's emotive trumpet lines in response to , with the ensemble comprising Blanchard, Winston, Almazan on , Hodge, and guests like . Scott's role extended to Choices (2009, Concord Jazz), an album showcasing the group's evolution with Blanchard, Loueke, Almazan, Hodge, and on , blending structures with global influences through collective arrangements. In Magnetic (2013, ), the Group—featuring Blanchard, Winston, Almazan, Joshua Crumbly on bass, and Scott—delivered a spiritually charged set of original compositions by band members, underscoring Scott's propulsive drumming in tracks like his own "No Borders, Just Horizons." As part of the collective Kendrick Scott Oracle, Scott co-led the debut album The Source (2007, World Culture Music), a spiritually infused recording with shared compositional credits among members including Parks on , Lund on guitar, Hodge on bass, and John Ellis on and , reflecting the group's emphasis on thematic unity and rhythmic exploration. Scott joined the Blue Note All Stars for their sophomore album Our Point of View (2017, Blue Note Records), a double-disc set celebrating the label's legacy through collective improvisations, alongside Ambrose Akinmusire on trumpet, Robert Glasper on keyboards, Marcus Strickland on saxophone, Loueke on guitar, and Hodge on bass, where Scott's versatile drumming anchored the ensemble's modern jazz explorations.

As Sideman

Scott began his professional career as a shortly after graduating from the in 2003, quickly establishing himself in New York City's jazz scene through collaborations with prominent bandleaders. His early work included touring and recording with trumpeter , with whom he spent 11 years as a core member of the quintet. During this period, Scott contributed drums to several acclaimed albums, including Flow (2005), which explored post-Katrina themes; the Grammy-winning A Tale of God's Will (A for Katrina) (2007); Choices (2009), Blanchard's debut on Concord Jazz; and Magnetic (2013), featuring innovative electronic elements. These recordings highlighted Scott's ability to provide dynamic, supportive rhythms in Blanchard's cinematic style. Beyond Blanchard, Scott's sideman credits encompass a diverse array of jazz luminaries, showcasing his versatility across vocal, instrumental, and fusion contexts. He performed on vocalist Gretchen Parlato's The Lost and Found (2011), delivering intricate grooves that complemented her nuanced phrasing on tracks like "Weak" and "Blue in Green." Scott also toured extensively with pianist Herbie Hancock starting in 2008, participating in high-profile events such as the International Jazz Day Global Concert at the White House in 2016 alongside guitarist Pat Metheny. His work with guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel included live quartet performances at venues like the Village Vanguard, emphasizing fluid, interactive drumming in modern jazz settings. More recently, Scott joined harmonica player Grégoire Maret's quartet for tours and festival appearances, including the Litchfield Jazz Festival. He also contributed drums to saxophonist Gregory Groover Jr.'s album Old Knew (2025, Criss Cross Jazz). In addition to studio and live jazz work, Scott has contributed to film soundtracks, leveraging his experience from Blanchard's scores. Notable examples include the Red Tails original motion picture soundtrack (2012), where he played on orchestral cues like "Attack from Above," and Miles Ahead (2015), performing on the track "Inner Vice" (a rendition of "Nefertiti"). Overall, his sideman discography spans numerous recordings, reflecting collaborations with artists such as Charles Lloyd, Kurt Elling, Marcus Miller, and The Crusaders, while underscoring his reputation as a sought-after drummer for both intimate combos and large ensembles.

References

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