My Creative Mentor

Jazz Guitarist Inspires Student Audio Engineers

Jazz guitarist Scott Sawyer brought his musical knowledge and expertise to the Living Arts College (LAC) recording studio this March for Jason Richmond’s project studio class. Accompanying Scott were bassist Matt Brandau and drummer Dan Hall, of the Chapel Hill rock group, Old Ceremony. Scott Sawyer is an internationally recognized guitarist with a host of recording and performing credits. He has shared the stage and recorded with many notable artists, including Nneena Freelon, Charlie Byrd, Oteil Burbridge, Jon Metzger, David Murray, Scott Ainslee, Ghezzi, Bob Cranshaw, Gongzilla, Willie Pickens, Ed Thigpen, Bill Anshell, and Lois Deloatch. His latest album “Go There,” featured bassist Oteil Burbridge (The Allman Brothers), Charlotte bassist Ron Brendle, Kofi Burbridge (Derek Trucks Band), and Kenny Soule (DAG).





LAC Students’ Trey Thomas, Terrence Long, Kevin Spence, and David Pruitt were amongst those that participated with the set up and tracking of the trio. The trio was set up in a circle in the B2R studios just using baffles to separate them. Tracking utilized the Toft console in the B control room, as well as the newly added API and Great River preamps. The group began the recording by playing several free improvisations then moved on to re-workings of several pop tunes, including John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy,” and Bob Dylan’s “It’s All Over Now Baby Blue.” Scott and LAC students experimented with a song by Matt Brandau and a groove based on Tom Waits’ “Sins of My Father.” The day ended with a jazz standard by the great jazz bassist Charles Mingus, titled “Nostalgia in Times Square.”




Students were both honored and inspired by Scott’s visit as it was not just a recording lesson, but a music one too. He spoke of his experience in the music industry and recording processes between breaks. The session gave students the opportunity to work hands-on with notable and highly talented musicians. The ability to learn the art of recording while working with the “best of the best” provides students with the experience they need to be successful in the recording business.