Raymond Scott (1908–1994) was known for his late 1930s cartoon jazz, the breezy parlor jazz of his late ’40s quintet, and his pioneering ’50s & ’60s electronica, all of which demonstrate his wit, eccentricity, and cross-generational appeal. 2008 marks the Scott centennial. This is the first of several planned CDs of archival material, fully remastered and featuring selections from vinyl as well as many previously unreleased tracks.
“The work of musician, bandleader, composer, and inventor Raymond Scott sounds like nothing so much as the future.” — Peter Buck, R.E.M.
“The music of Raymond Scott is positively exhilarating. Its intricacies mesmerize, because they’re part of a unique and utterly disarming musical tapestry.” — Leonard Maltin, film historian & critic
“Being introduced to the music of Raymond Scott was like being given the name of a composer I feel I have heard my whole life, who until now was nameless. Clearly he is a major American composer.” — David Harrington, Kronos Quartet
“Raymond Scott was like an audio version of Andy Warhol; he preceded Pop-Art sensibilities, and he played with that line between commercial art and fine art, mixing elements of both worlds together. I love and respect Raymond Scott’s work, and it influenced me a lot. I’m a big fan.” —Mark Mothersbaugh, Devo