Acclaimed acoustic guitarist Jim Scott will perform an evening of his songs of peace, and the environment on June 13, 2009 at 7:00 PM. 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.
Admission is $12 per person. Call 610-631-0280 to reserve your tickets today.
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 Thomas Paine Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 610-631-0280.
Jim Scott Photo
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.”
For more information about Jim Scott see http://jimscottmusic.com
