Scott Tixier

Scott Tixier
Background information
Born 26 February 1986
Montreuil, France
Genres jazz
Occupation(s) Composer, violinist
Instruments Violin
Years active 2002–present
Labels Sunnyside Records
Associated acts Trophees du Sunside, Stevie Wonder, Downbeat Critics Poll, NPR "Song of the day", American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
Website www.scott-tixier.com

Scott Tixier (born 26 February 1986) is an award-winning[1] French jazz violinist and a recording artist.

Life and career

Tixier was born in Montreuil, France, and studied classical violin at the conservatory in Paris. Following that, he studied improvisation as a self-educated jazz musician and under Florin Niculescu then Malo Vallois.

Scott Tixier has worked in many genres, in the theater, film scoring, Broadway Shows, for Sony Pictures, ARTE Creative, Heineken, Dos Equis and Fisher-Price. For America's Got Talent on NBC; With Zedd on the David Letterman Late Show on CBS. For Josh Groban; Harvey Keitel, Robert De Niro; Sting; Jean Reno; Whoopi Goldberg; Marc Jacobs, Keith David, Pierre Palmade, Pierre Richard, David Ackroyd (Dallas, TV series), NBA player Allan Houston; Christina Aguilera; Chrisette Michele; Doug E. Fresh; JR (artist); Ariana Grande; Monica Dogra.

He has performed and recorded with a wide range of artists, including, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Common, Anthony Braxton, Joss Stone, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Wayne Brady, Chris Walden, Greg Phillinganes, Ray Chew, The Isley Brothers, Cory Smythe, Maceo Parker, Janet Cardiff, Siegfried Kessler, Tony Middleton, Lonnie Plaxico, Myron Walden, Clifford Adams (Kool & the Gang), Helen Sung, Brice Wassy, Gerald Cleaver, Lew Soloff, Tigran Hamasyan, James Weidman, Marcus McLauren, Giada Valenti, Tommy Sims.

Scott played at Carnegie Hall, at the Radio City Music Hall, at Madison Square Garden, at Barclays Center, at the Golden Globes, at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Blue Note Jazz Club, The Apollo Theater, the Smalls Jazz Club, The Stone, Roulette, Smoke Jazz, Hammerstein Ballroom, Joe's Pub, Williamsburg Music Center, Prudential Center and the United States Capitol

When he was a teenager Scott was invited to several master classes with some of the finest jazz musicians, including: Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner, Steve Coleman...

In 2007, he was awarded the first prize of "Trophées du Sunside" in Paris, France. In 2008, Tixier moved to New York and has continued his career as both a sideman in the Lonnie Plaxico's band, Dave Douglas, Anthony Braxton, Numinous Ensemble and as a leader.

Scott Tixier has also met and received letters of introduction from: Jean-Luc Ponty, Pat Metheny, Marcus Miller, Mark Feldman, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Lonnie Plaxico...

Scott Tixier Quintet at the Blue Note Jazz Club NY

In 2008, he was endorsed by Corelli Savarez[2] (strings) and in November 2011, he was signed by the American record label, Sunnyside Records.

In 2012, Tixier was named "Rising Star Violin" in the 60th Annual Downbeat critics poll.[3]

In 2013, Tixier was nominated "Best New Artist" by the JazzTimes Critics' Poll.[4]

In 2013, Tixier was awarded for the 2nd consecutive year "Rising Star Violin" in the 61st Annual Downbeat critics poll.[5]

In May 2013, Scott Tixier was the violinist for Harvey Keitel 74th Birthday

In 2014, featured on the Original Motion Pictures Soundtrack for the film John Wick, starring Keanu Reeves and Willem Dafoe (Tixier appeared in the film).

In 2014 and 2015 he performed with Stevie Wonder for "Songs in the Key of Life" performance Tour.

He is currently based in Brooklyn, New York.

Career

Tixier has earned international recognition for his playing. Grammy Award winning bassist Marcus Miller[6] says that Tixier "is making an international name for himself. I heard him in France and was immediately struck by his individuality and his sound.“ Guitarist Pat Metheny [7] says, "[Scott] has found a place for himself within the elite community of New York jazz musicians, no small feat." In an interview with the All About Jazz in 2010, violinist Mark Feldman [8] called Scott "really up-and-coming and very talented." And Jean-Luc Ponty said "I have heard Scott's recordings, seen his live performances and I think that he stands above the crowd of current jazz violinists around the world."

Tony Tixier and Scott Tixier opening for Herbie Hancock and Chris Dave at the festival jazz en tete

Awards and recognition

In 2015, featured soloist with Stevie Wonder for "Songs in The Key Of Life Performance Tour "

In 2014, featured on the Original Motion Pictures Soundtrack for the film John Wick, starring Keanu Reeves and Willem Dafoe (Tixier appeared in the film).

In 2014, Performed at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall and Apollo Theater with Gladys Knight, Joss Stone and Natalie Cole.

In 2013, Tixier was awarded "Rising Star Violin" in the 61st Annual Downbeat Critics Poll.[9]

In 2013, Tixier was nominated "Best New Artist" by the JazzTimes Critics' Poll.[10]

In 2012, Scott Tixier was nominated "Rising Star Violin" in the DownBeat Magazine's 60th Annual Downbeat Critics Poll.[11]

In 2012, "Brooklyn Bazaar" was listed in the JazzTimes Magazine Critics Top 50 CDs 2012 [12]

In 2012, Tixier was picked by NPR as "Song Of The Day", broadcast internationally

In 2012, "Coup de Coeur" by Fnac for "Brooklyn Bazaar"

In 2007, Scott Tixier was awarded the first prize of "Trophées du Sunside" in Paris, France.

Instrument

His violin is an 1889 Collin-Mezin. Tixier uses bows by French bow maker Emil Miquel.

His violin case was originally owned by violinist Isaac Stern for his 1740 "del Gesù", it was specially made by Dimitri Musafia.

Performance credits

Discography

As leader

As sideman

Filmography

References

  1. ↑ Portet, Stephane (2008). "Trophees Du Sunside". Wikipedia. Retrieved 18 November 2011.
  2. ↑ "Corelli Savarez Artists". Savarez. Retrieved 18 November 2011.
  3. ↑ Downbeat (2012). "60th Annual Downbeat critics poll". Downbeat. Retrieved 2012.
  4. ↑ JazzTimes (2012). "JazzTimes critics poll". JazzTimes. Retrieved 2013.
  5. ↑ Downbeat (2013). "61st Annual Downbeat critics poll" (PDF). Downbeat. Retrieved 2013.
  6. ↑ Miller, Marcus (18 March 2007). "Marcus Miller: Letter". Dynamod. Retrieved 15 November 2011.
  7. ↑ Metheny, Pat (13 March 2007). "Pat Metheny: Letter". Dynamod. Retrieved 15 November 2011.
  8. ↑ Fitzell, Sean Patrick (17 June 2010). "Mark Feldman: Taking an Eclectic Path". All About Jazz. Retrieved 10 November 2011.
  9. ↑ Downbeat (2013). "61st Annual Downbeat critics poll" (PDF). Downbeat. Retrieved 2013.
  10. ↑ JazzTimes (2012). "JazzTimes critics poll". JazzTimes. Retrieved 2013.
  11. ↑ Downbeat (2012). "60th Annual Downbeat critics poll". Downbeat. Retrieved 2012.
  12. ↑ JazzTimes (2012). "jazztimes". JazzTimes. Retrieved 2013.
  13. ↑ J.Murph (2012). "NPR". NPR. Retrieved May 2012.
  14. ↑ Fnac (2012). "Fnac". Fnac. Retrieved March 2012.
  15. ↑ The New York City Jazz Record (2012). "The New York City Jazz Record" (PDF). Allmusic. Retrieved March 2012.

External links