This week, Ira spoke with Scotty Barnhart, director of the Grammy Award -Winning Count Basie Orchestra (performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center July 29-30). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Scotty talks about why a long line launched his trumpet career instead of a violin career; how jazz came through the church; when he first saw County Basie live when he was 12; how he met the whole orchestra and knew he would be part of the group (and eventually lead them); why the spirit of Count Basie is always with the orchestra; the importance of treating musicians as human beings; how to run a master class for aspiring musicians; and the key reason why the group is successful after the passing of Count Basie (hint: the orchestra is the star).
In addition to leading the Count Basie Orchestra, Scotty is an acclaimed jazz trumpeter, leader, composer, arranger, educator, and author.
He is a two-time Grammy Award winner with the Basie Orchestra, with three critically acclaimed recordings by pianist Marcus Roberts and more than ten recordings with the likes of Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Ray Charles, and Tito Puente.
Acknowledged as one of the authorities on the history of jazz trumpet, Scotty intently researched and wrote the ground-breaking book, The World of Jazz Trumpet – A Comprehensive History and Practical Philosophy.
When he is not touring with The Count Basie Orchestra or teaching at Florida State University, he performs with his own quintet-sextet and lectures and demonstrates at schools, colleges, universities, conferences around the world, spreading jazz music to ensure its future for others to explore and enjoy.
http://www.thecountbasieorchestra.com
https://twitter.com/countbasieorch
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