Bio - Environmental Focus
For more than two decades, Jim Scott has made it his business to create and perform music that celebrates the earth. His songs and poetry have inspired and educated audiences around the world. He has developed presentations for every age group and crafted songs that sensitize his listeners to the beauty of the earth, teaching principles of ecology in memorable verses.
Just released, Jim’s latest project “The Earth and Spirit Songbook” is an anthology of songs of earth and peace. Jim arranged and edited this collection including songs by many contemporary songwriters with some of his own. Book One containing 77 songs is now out and Book Two is expected in early 2004.
From his work with the Paul Winter Consort where he co-wrote the celebrated Missa Gaia - Earth Mass and many other pieces, including his “A Song for the Earth,” recorded live at the United Nations on the album Concert for the Earth, Jim has gone on to create an extensive body of work. His own recordings “Earth, Sky, Love and Dreams” and “Sailing with the Moon” include many of his eco-anthems.
In songs, choral music, instrumental soundtracks for several documentaries and the PBS series Body and Soul, Jim continues to make music with a depth of artistry and craft that separates his music from that of many other singer songwriters.
Jim has also ventured into musical theater. His musical “The Tree and Me” has been given full cast productions in Jamestown NY and Albion MI and its songs have become anthems for activists and educators. “The Rainforest Song,” written in a workshop with elementary students has been published by Hal Leonard Publishers. “Plant More Than You Harvest” was included in a Sony Kids CD “Put On Your Green Shoes.”
As Co-Chair of the Unitarian Universalist Seventh Principle Project Jim helped to create the “Green Sanctuary” program and accompanying handbook for building an ecological/spiritual awareness in church congregations. He performs many benefit concerts and often appears at events, supporting environmental causes with his music.
For more inforamation on the “Green Sanctuary” program, visit the Seventh Principle website www.UUASPP.org
Bio - Choral Music Focus
Guitarist, performer, educator and prolific writer of songs, Jim Scott first achieved notoriety as a member of the Paul Winter Consort and as co-composer of their celebrated "Missa Gaia / Earth Mass." He continues to compose a wide variety of music - songs, soundtracks, and particularly choral works.
His activism for ecology and peace is obvious in his music as well. His song cycle/oratorio “Vessels of the Sun” follows the sun for one year through the solstices, equinoxes and half ways in between with varied music celebrating the seasons, wind, water, earth and seeds in the spring. In his stage musical “The Tree and Me,” Jim presents a poignant case for saving the ancient forests. Many of his songs speak to particular issues of ecology and peace with eloquence and passion. “The Earth and Spirit Songbook” is Jim’s latest contribution to group singing. Many of the songs in this extensive anthology have short-cut harmony arrangements.
Appearing as guest artist with choirs performing his music, Jim brings brings together his classical training and a world music consciousness, inspiring singers to stretch to a different level of communication and celebration. Many of his choral pieces use the accompaniment of rhythm section and other instruments.
JIm’s concerts are often participatory, turning the audience into a choir singing in three and four parts. As well as recording several albums of his original music, Jim has published a book on guitar technique and a book of his poetry and short stories.
More than twenty of his choral pieces, some published by Hal Leonard, Roger Wagner Choral Series and Boosey and Hawkes, can be found on his website www.jimscottmusic.com.
Some reccent performances:
In recent years Jim has performaed with The College of Du Page Chorale, Il,
combined choirs in Spokane WA, Philadelphia PA, choirs at Cal. State LA, College
of the Redwoods, CA, the Hallalisa Singers, Boston MA, the Eugene Vocal Arts
Ensemble, OR, the Johnathan Griffith Singers in a tour to Italy and France,
as well as many church and school choirs.
Bios - UU Church Focus
Informal Bio
Many people know Jim as a member of the Paul Winter Consort. Jim has a long connection with UUs and has visited our church before. His hymn, "Gather the Spirit" has become a staple for many congregations, one of three he has in the new Hymnbook.
Jim was the Co-Chair of the Seventh Principle Project, the UU ecological group and helped develop the "Green Sanctuary” program for churches to follow to become more ecologically sound. He’ll be speaking a bit about that later in the program, and you’ll see his work as an activist comes out in his music.
He composed many pieces recorded by the Winter Consort and is known for his lyrical songs of nature, peace, and other positive values. Pete Seeger has called Jim "...Some kind of a magician."
There's also lots of good humor in his songs; kids and adults will all find something to laugh as well as sing about.
Longer Bio
Starting out at the Univeralist Church of Norwell MA, where his father sang in the choir, Jim Scott has a long connection with UUs. He now lives in Shrewsbury MA, after a dozen years residing in Oregon. His hymn "Gather the Spirit" has become a staple for many congregations and was even used as a theme for the UUA’s annual fundraising campaign. It’s one of three he has in our new Hymnbook.
As well as beng active in the UU Musicians’ Network, Jim has been the Co-Chair of the ecological group the Seventh Principle Project and helped develop their "Green Sanctuary” program. This past year, with help from a grant from the Fund for Unitarian Universalism, he’s completed Book One of the “Earth and Spirit Songbook” an anthology of songs of earth and peace.
In his world travels he’s performed concerts or lead services at more than 300 UU churches. His hymn, "Gather the Spirit" has become a staple for many congregations, one of three he has in the new hymnbook. Formerly the Co-Chair of the Seventh Principle Project, Jim helped develop their "Green Sanctuary” program for congregations to follow to become more ecologically sound.
Jim played for years with the Paul Winter Consort and is known for his lyrical songs of nature, peace, and other positive values. In recent years, he’s concentrated more on choral music and has composed many anthems and hymns for worship settings. Pete Seeger has called Jim "...Some kind of a magician." Paul Winter said of his long-time collaborator “His music sings of the life spirit.”
Short Bio
Musician, composer Jim Scott has visited well over 300 UU churches in the past
twenty years and has two and a half songs in the UU Hymnbook. He’s
been a long time member of the UU Seventh Principle Project and helped create
the Green Sanctuary Handbook. His latest project, just out, is “The
Earth and Spirit Songbook” an anthology of songs of ecology and peace.
Press Releases for church service appearances
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: ____________
Jim Scott Brings Musical Celebration of Earth
Cultivating Peace - the Green Sanctuary
A spirituality and course of action for the earth will be the topic of a special
service, Sunday _________for the _________________________________ at_____________________________
the service begins at at _______ Scott will offer his original songs and readings
of his poetry in a service called Cultivating Peace - The Green Sanctuary.
Active for years with the UU Seventh Principle Project and recently Co-chair
of the Board, he helped develop the Green Sanctuary handbook and program of
action for a church to self assess building, grounds and all facets of energy
consumption to be more sustainable as an institution. Scott proposes that a
spiritual response, from people of faith, is called for as "the spirit
of life on earth is in crisis." Rather than grim pronouncements, he makes
his case with music, celebration and humor.
Composer, guitarist, singer and ecological and peace activist Jim was a member
of the Paul Winter Consort for years. He wrote many pieces the Consort recorded
including choral works in their celebrated Missa Gaia/ Earth Mass.. He has
produced seven recordings of his own music, and a musical "The Tree and
Me," a story about saving the old growth forest of the Northwest. In his
newest project the "Earth and Spirit Songbook" Jim has compiled and
arranged an anthology of songs of earth and peace by many contemporary songwriters.
Having performed and led services at over 300 Unitarian churches, Scott's connection
and involvement runs deep. Three of his songs are included in the Unitarian
Universalist Hymnbook and he has served on the board of the UU Musician's Network,
supporting the development of new music.
From a background in classical and jazz studies at Eastman School of Music
and Berklee College, Scott's music has gathered influences from his involvement
in peace and ecology causes as well as his travels to Nicaragua, Australia,
Europe and across North America. He considers himself a catalyst, using music
to spread a message of peace, empowerment and equality.
"My music is both reflective and just plain entertaining," Scott says. "I
believe strongly in the power of song and self-expression to create positive
change."
For more information, call ___________________
Everyone is welcome.
Jim Scott P. O. Box 4025 Shrewsbury MA 01545
tel. (508) 755-0995 e-mail Jimscott2u@aol.com
www.Jimscottmusic.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: ____________
Jim Scott Brings Musical Celebration of Earth
Gaia, Mother Earth and the Oneness of Everything
An earth centered spirituality celebrating the UU Seventh Principle of the "interdependent
web of all life" will be the topic of a special service,
Sunday _________.for the _________________________________ at_____________________________
the service begins at at _______ Scott will offer his original songs and readings
of his poetry in a service called Gaia, Mother Earth and the Oneness of Everything.
The idea of Mother Earth or "Gaia" being a living organism who modeled
for us our human physical attributes (heart, lungs, circulatory system, digestive
system) brings us to a deeper connection with our life support system.
Active for years with the UU Seventh Principle Project and recently Co-chair
of the Board, he helped develop the Green Sanctuary handbook and program. Scott
proposes that a spiritual response, from people of faith, is called for as "the
spirit of life on earth is in crisis." Rather than grim pronouncements,
he makes his case with music, celebration and humor.
Composer, guitarist, singer and ecological and peace activist Jim was a member
of the Paul Winter Consort for years. He wrote many pieces the Consort recorded
including choral works in their celebrated Missa Gaia/ Earth Mass.. He has
produced seven recordings of his own music, and a musical "The Tree and
Me," a story about saving the old growth forest of the Northwest. In his
newest project the "Earth and Spirit Songbook" Jim has compiled and
arranged an anthology of songs of earth and peace by many contemporary songwriters.
Having performed and led services at over 300 Unitarian churches, Scott's connection
and involvement runs deep. Three of his songs are included in the Unitarian
Universalist Hymnbook and he has served on the board of the UU Musician's Network,
supporting the development of new music.
From a background in classical and jazz studies at Eastman School of Music
and Berklee College, Scott's music has gathered influences from his involvement
in peace and ecology causes as well as his travels to Nicaragua, Australia,
Europe and across North America. He considers himself a catalyst, using music
to spread a message of peace, empowerment and equality.
"My music is both reflective and just plain entertaining," Scott says. "I
believe strongly in the power of song and self-expression to create positive
change."
For more information, call ___________________
Everyone is welcome.
Jim Scott P. O. Box 4025 Shrewsbury MA 01545
tel. (508) 755-0995 e-mail Jimscott2u@aol.com
www.Jimscottmusic.com
Press Release - General audience concert
Musician Jim Scott Brings a Musical Celebration of the Earth to
(CITY OR ORGANIZATION)
Acclaimed acoustic guitarist Jim Scott will perform an evening of his songs
of peace, and the environment on (DAY/DATE/ TIME) With insight and more than
a little humor, Scott makes his case for harmony in the world with a jazz /
world folk music styling and some great guitar technique in accompaniment.
Sponsored by (ORGANIZATION),.
at (ADDRESS).
Admission is ($ ) for adults and ($ ) for children.
Known to many as the voice on the Winter Consort's "Common Ground," Scott's
musical output runs from lyrical songs, and instrumentals, to choral compositions.
He has performed in the company of luminaries of the jazz and folk worlds.
Pete Seeger said of JIm's guitar virtuosity "(Jim is) some kind of a magician." Paul
Winter said of his long time collaborator "His music sings of the life
spirit."
His most recent project has been compiling “The Earth and Spirit Songbook,” an
anthology of songs of earth and peace and he has added many of these songs
to his concert repertiore. From this widely varied background, 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."
HIs musical, "The Tree and Me," has been staged at colleges in New
York and Michigan. He also performs for kids and has written songs with elementary
school classes. His "Big and Little Stuff - Songs for KIds" marks
his 5th recording of original songs released on CD. He's taught at numerous
colleges, including Oberlin College in Ohio, and 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."
For information about the concert, call _____________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: __________
phone (__)
Musician Jim Scott Brings Artistry and Optimism to Spring Green Elementary
Jim Scott's songs, virtuoso guitar technique and shining voice celebrate "what's
positive, fragile, beautiful and amazing about the world."
World traveling acoustic guitarist Jim Scott will offer a day of his lyrical
songs that promote social and ecological connections, cooperation and creativity
in several workshops and an assembly on Thursday, February 27.
Jim has touched thousands of young people with the magic of music. His jazz
/ world folk-influenced songs challenge kids to listen and participate in something
out of the ordinary, while the lyrics speak directly to them of peace, ecology,
diversity, and just plain feeling good about themselves. Drawing from his album
for kids Big and Little Stuff, Jim creates an intimate atmosphere to captivate
younger audiences. Jim's skill on a solo guitar, using no electronic gimmickry,
wins over even tough critics.
Known to many as the voice on the Paul Winter Consort's celebrated piece "Common
Ground," Scott has gone on to record eight albums of powerful songs, jazz/world
music instrumentals and choral compositions, including his latest releases
Earth Sky Love and Dreams and Sailing With the Moon... He orchestrates his
poignant messages with subtle and beautiful guitar work that moved Pete Seeger
to call him "some kind of magician." The "Earth and Spirit Songbook" is
Jim’s latest contribution to group singing. The anthology of songs of
earth and peace, compiled and arranged by Jim is a great new resources for
schools, churches and community choirs.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: ____________
Jim Scott Brings Musical Celebration of Earth
Cultivating Peace - the Green Sanctuary
A spirituality and course of action for the earth will be the topic of a special
service, Sunday _________for the _________________________________ at_____________________________
the service begins at at _______ Scott will offer his original songs and readings
of his poetry in a service called Cultivating Peace - The Green Sanctuary.
Active for years with the UU Seventh Principle Project and recently Co-chair
of the Board, he helped develop the Green Sanctuary handbook and program of
action for a church to self assess building, grounds and all facets of energy
consumption to be more sustainable as an institution. Scott proposes that a
spiritual response, from people of faith, is called for as "the spirit
of life on earth is in crisis." Rather than grim pronouncements, he makes
his case with music, celebration and humor.
Composer, guitarist, singer and ecological and peace activist Jim was a member
of the Paul Winter Consort for years. He wrote many pieces the Consort recorded
including choral works in their celebrated Missa Gaia/ Earth Mass.. He has
produced seven recordings of his own music, and a musical "The Tree and
Me," a story about saving the old growth forest of the Northwest. In his
newest project the "Earth and Spirit Songbook" Jim has compiled and
arranged an anthology of songs of earth and peace by many contemporary songwriters.
Having performed and led services at over 300 Unitarian churches, Scott's connection
and involvement runs deep. Three of his songs are included in the Unitarian
Universalist Hymnbook and he has served on the board of the UU Musician's Network,
supporting the development of new music.
From a background in classical and jazz studies at Eastman School of Music
and Berklee College, Scott's music has gathered influences from his involvement
in peace and ecology causes as well as his travels to Nicaragua, Australia,
Europe and across North America. He considers himself a catalyst, using music
to spread a message of peace, empowerment and equality.
"My music is both reflective and just plain entertaining," Scott says. "I
believe strongly in the power of song and self-expression to create positive
change."
For more information, call ___________________
Everyone is welcome.
Jim Scott P. O. Box 4025 Shrewsbury MA 01545
tel. (508) 755-0995 e-mail Jimscott2u@aol.com
www.Jimscottmusic.com