Rhoda Scott, originally from New Jersey and living in France for most of her 40-year career, is one of the world's most celebrated jazz organists. She was trained classically at the Manhattan School of Music, and as the daughter of a minister she was immersed in the music of the gospel church from a young age. She also studied under acclaimed jazz organist Groove Holmes.
Scott's style combines the precision of classical music, the swinging groove of jazz and blues, and the deep, rich soul of African-American spirituals. She displays a graceful mastery of the Hammond B-3 organ through her impeccable control over the entire instrument and her tasteful use of drawbar registration. One notable aspect of her technique is that unlike many jazz organists who play bass lines with their left hand, Scott uses her left hand to chord and plays her bass lines entirely with her left foot; she also chooses to play with bare feet, another rarity among organists both classical and jazz alike, and has earned the nickname "The Barefoot Lady".
Rhoda Scott is a unique voice in the already obscure realm of jazz organ. Relatively few jazz musicians have adopted the Hammond B-3 as their instrument of choice, which makes a jazz organ performance a special treat for those who appreciate its powerful, dynamic and truly original sound.
Scott frequently gives performances throughout France and the rest of Europe, though it is a rare occasion that she returns to perform North America. The Upstairs Jazz Club is pleased to take this opportunity to host world-renowned jazz organist Rhoda Scott, featuring Andre White on drums; Wednesday January 18 and Thursday January 19, 2006.