The Way of the Orient

"I saw a photo by verner Bishoff of a life-size Buddha sitting in a garden full of overground grass. The Buddha had a snail on its noise. I just looked at that photo and gasped.
It was like the jazz scene. Deserted.
Everyone has died and no one is left to nurture it. When the jazz scene became a cemetery, I tried to find a way to get out.."
(Tony Scott)

"A beginning was made by Tony Scott. He has improvised with gamelan orchestras in Bali, with koto ensembles in Japan, with Thai musicians in Bangkok, and with Chinese in Hong Kong and Formosa.
But the beginning can only bear fruit if others follow it up.
The jazz musicians who comes to Asia from the U.S. can be certain that many Asian musicians will help him."
(Joachim Ernst Berendt - Down Beat Nov.22, 1962)

On November 11th , 1960 - Scott landed in Hawaii playing two months at the Honolulu 'Clouds' Club with pianist Ernie Washington & Trio.

On December 3rd, he arrived in Japan at Tokyo Haneda Airport greeted by Japanese musicians, jazz fans, critics and young girls in kimonos with flowers. He remained in the Orient for 5 years developing an intense concert and teaching schedule organized by the leading Jazz critic, Masa Segawa. For five years he visited an ancounted number of countries, cities and villages having numerous television and radio engagements, interviews, sightseeing, jamming, concerts in clubs and night clubs, jazz festivals (the first in the Orient), benefit events, studio recordings, here some of the performances, recordings and reviews from his life in the Orient

"I have been keeping my ear tuned to the ancient sounds of Japan - the noodle vendor's horn, the sweet potato seller's chant, the whistle of the bean-curd peddler, and the plaintive cries of the blind masseurs as they walk along the streets, singing their strange melodies…" (Tony Scott)

Japan
- December 7 -Tokyo NHK Television: Scott with a big Traditional Japanese Orchestra (60 strings, 6 kotos), and the 'Nobu Ohara and his Sharps and Flats Big (jazz) Band'. The show was called Welcome Tony Scott Show. He was the first American Jazz musician to record in Japan
- Tokyo JOQR Radio Broadcast: with the famous Shinichi Yuize the first improvisation for clarinet and koto ever performed anywhere, titled by Scott The Cranes in Winter, Fly Away :

"He just gave me six or seven tones, the crane feeling, and said he was going to play them twice. I have never done it before, but I would like to do again…He is a person who can get the real Japanese mood of our music," (Shinichi Yuize) "The result was a nostalgic, bewitchingly evocative piece in which the tinkling of the koto strings seemed to flow out behind the bubbling clarinet tones. It conjured up an image of a flock of cranes in stately formation." (Newsweek)

- January 3, 1960 - Tokyo TBS Radio Hall: show (30 minute), organized by TBS director Yasayaki Ishihara; Tony Scott(cl, p, bass cl), with Masao Yagi(p), Masnaga Harada, Masahiko Togashi(d).
- February 12 - Meiji University: 4 Hours Lecture and Concert with Meiji University Big band Big Sound Society, playing for about 3,000 students. In program I Got Rhythm (T.Scott: cl), Perdido (T.Scott: pn, vcl), Blues for Meiji (T.Scott : cl, pn), Kuno Ryuzo(cl)
- NHK Television program: he played with a quintet made up of Japan's most famous jazz performers: Hideiko 'Sleepy' Matsumoto(ts), Elichi Fujii(p), Matsuru Ono(b), Irao Shirachi(dr) and Nobu Ohara and his Sharps and Flats Big Band. The music was arranged by Tony Scott.
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1° Japan Jazz Festival in Tokyo.
- Arthur Godfrey Monday Night Radio Program (1 hour): Tony Scott with Yuize,(koto), Moryasu(singer), Oyama(shamisen).
- Concert Tony Scott and Shinichi Yuize with a 24 Piece Koto Orchestra and 5 shakuhachi.
- Hot Club of Japan: Lectures at meetings.

- American Armed Forces Radio (Far East Network) Jazz Programs with disc jockeys Dan Doherty and Jack Tyson.
- Clubs ' concerts and with a trio made up of musicians Kuni Sugano(p), Suzuki(b) and Shoji Otsuka(dr)
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Palace's garden of Prince Takumatsu: a concert with Shinichi Yuize in Duo and a concert with Kuni Sugano Trio.
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The Copacabana Club: concert with the Tommy Palmer's Band Of Japan and Yuize(koto)
- Half hour color TV Show for president Eisenhower's arrival: Tony Scott And All Star Group Tony Scott(cl), Sleepy Matsumoto(ts), Fujii(p),One Mitsuru(b), Shiraki(d).
- Asahi Studio: recording Session, Tony Scott(cl), Kyohei Uyama(gt), Kunihiko Sugano(p), Isao Suzuki(b), George Otsuka(d): Blues for Nightfall (Tony Scott) (Asahi Sonorama Vol.1 rec.4)
- Movie: Kanpai- Gokigen Yaroh, directed by Masaharu Segawa, produced by Toei Motion Pictures: playing Blues for Charlie Parker with Masao Yagi(p), Isao Suzuki(b), Yasuhiko Togashi(d).

On September 13th 1960, Tony Scott left Japan for Indonesia on a 50 day grant from State Department USIS to play, teach and lecture about jazz:

Indonesia, Djakarta
- Government Radio Station: Jazz workshop and concert with a 16 piece band and with some other musicians.
- American Embassy Garden: first concert( 3 hours) playing with the Radio Orchestra featuring different groups - Concerts with All Star Group composed of top Indonesian musicians: Nick Mamahit(p), Jack Lemmers(g), Marjono(ts) - Several more concerts with the smaller groups and several broadcast.

Indonesia- Surabaya
- radio concerts and studio recording sessions: Tony Scott with Bubi Chen Quartet - Bubi Chen(ts), Jack Lemmers(g),Yopi Chen(b), Nico Chen(dr) - and with Gamelan and Krontjong Orchestra.

"Bubi is a very modern pianist and with Jack we were able to get some very modern sounds going. The Chens are of Chinese descent and their family has been in Indonesia seven generations. Bubi and Jack are among the highest calibre modern jazz musicians. I also used a Gamelan orchestra and Krontjong orchestra from the radio station. By this time I was familiar with Indonesia classical and folk music and our concerts were divided into jazz, Gamelan, Krontjong, and jazz vocals by Dee Walujo (who's favorite singer is Ella)" (Tony Scott)

Some songs:
Tony Scott, 1 harp player:
Mountain Boy Playing the flute
Tony Scott(cl), 2 zithers players , 1 flute player: Kechapi Music
Tony Scott(cl), Bubi Chen(p), Yopi (b), Nico Chen(d): Pelok Blues

"In Central Java there is a type of instrument, unlike anything else in Indonesia, which is called the Kechapi. It is a stringed instrument which is played like a harp. In a trio, one is pitched low, the other high, and, with a bamboo flute, forms a charming trio. The sound is like that of the Middle east and after listening to and recording the trio, I ventured playing with them, playing the part usually taken by the flute. Using their scale and style I recorded with them and the flute player titled it for me: 'Mountain Boy Play the Flute'. I improvised melody with variations, in their style, which amazed the musicians who knew me only as a musician who played that strange music they heard in the studios." (Tony Scott)

- Concerts sponsored by Government Radio
- Concerts in small Indonesian towns not covered by USIS schedule

Bali
- Tony Scott with an all women's Balinese Traditional Orchestra: concert

"I spent a week in Bali listening, looking and taking photos. I learned how to chant phrases from the famous Monkey Dance (my teacher was a very old man who was the leader of the group which put on shows for the tourists twice a week) They were very surprised at my interest and when I was able to chant the phrases they were amazed. Everyone was sitting on his haunches, including me, as we chanted, smoked, and laughed at my efforts. We spent a very exciting hour together. The typical Balinese works at a day job, but is also a musician, painter, sculptor , dancer or singer. The arts are all tied in with their religion, Hinduism, and there is a constant stream of holidays and festivals which the tourists can enjoy by being there." (Tony Scott)

Bandung
- Indonesian Army and Universities Concerts (one week) with Bubi Chen Quartet: Bubi Chen(p), Nico Chen (d), and Yopi Chen (b), and Jack Lemmers(g)

Singapore
- Meets many musicians, lots of jam sessions and talk sessions; plays with Ahmad Wayneet(p) Quintet.

On November 16, 1960 Tony Scott finished his grant in Singapore, and continued to travel in and out of Japan till the beginning of 1965:

Malaysia
- Palace of Prince Tunku: concert with the Malaysia Radio Orchestra (big band composition and arrangements by Scott).
- Nightclub concerts for one month.

Thailand, Bangkok
- Ambassador Club of the Erawan Hotel (until Jan.21 1961)

"Dear Mr. Scott, I wish to convey to you my appreciation and thanks for your excellent performance wich you have given us during your engagement at our Ambassador Club. Your shows have been highly successful and popular with our guests and which has reflected very favorably by increased patronage since your engagement." (Werner Keller-Manager)

- Bangkok Jazz Society: Sunday afternoon jam session, outstanding Jazz musicians: Roger Herrera(b), Flit Ballezer(d), Roxas(tp), Vic Luma(tb), Ading Dila and Pete Aristorens(as), Manny Garcia(g)

"All the bands in Bangkok are from Philippines and play all styles of music. The Bangkok jazz Society puts on a jam session on Sunday as the bands works seven days a week." (Tony Scott)

- Old England Students Associations and American University Alumni: concerts With Thai Jazz Musicians ex-students in America
- Red Cross Benefit Concert for USIS, attended by the King of Thailand Bhumipol Aduldej, playing with Thai jazz musicians: Brasit(p), Maum(b), Eddie Chaturachinda(d).
- Benefit Concert for the blind, for USIS, presided by the King Bhumipol Aduldej and the Queen, playing with the same Thai jazz Group composed by Brasit(p), Maum(b), Eddie Chaturachinda(d)
- Palace Radio Station: Broadcast-Jam Session

"I played with the King's Orchestra and King Bhumipol Aduldej (as, ss, cl.) The Orchestra was composed by amateurs who are friends and some of the Royal family, play stock arrangements of popular songs, Dixieland tunes and compositions written by the King. The King plays lead alto, soprano sax and clarinet in the jam session type Dixieland tunes. The King is an exceptionally accomplished musician with an amazingly good grasp of the Dixieland repertoire and style. The outstanding musicians in the King's band are: pianist and concert master Manratana Srikaranonda(p), Uthit Thinakorn(ts), Prince M.R. Phongse-Amorn(d). Some of the songs played were Laura, and Flamingo (with the King playing beautiful lead alto), and the Dixieland songs were Panama, Royal Garden and the King's songs When and Love at Sundown, which I had played before. The King also played Petite Fleur as a soprano sax solo. To be presented to the King is not an easy procedure and requires much protocol as his schedule is very heavy and the affairs of State are many, so I feel very proud to have an audience and the pleasure of playing for the King and listening to him playing the music we both love." (Tony Scott)

Hong Kong
- Several Night club concerts
- Personal appearances on various local disc jockey programs
- Hong Kong Jazz club: held a lecture, discussion group on jazz, jazz concert
- Paramount Club concert: Tony Scott (cl) with Giancarlo Barigozzi(saxes, violin) Quintet

Taiwan
- Linkou NCO Club concerts

Tokyo
- Tokyo Press Club - concert, with Kuni Sugano Trio

Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Radio - program titled Tony Scott: Sounds Around The World, compiled by Tony Scott with all his music.

Okinawa
- Marine Enlisted and Staff Non-Commissioned Officer's Clubs: concerts with house orchestra formed by Filipino musicians:
"Tony Scott has done shows at our clubs that still have to be equaled by any other group or single performer yet to come in Okinawa. He captures the audience with his opening number and until the time that he finally leaves the stage, they are completely overwhelmed and overjoyed at the fabulous performance of Mr. Scott he has been back to my club repeatedly, as per the desires of my club members and it has been the same at every club that he has played here in Okinawa. (Marine Enlisted Officer)

Vietnam, Saigon
- U.S. Military Clubs Concerts

Formosa
- Playing with Chinese Big Band
"When I went to Formosa, Tony Scott was about to rehearse a Chinese big band playing arrangements by Marty Paich and Bill Holman. It was heartening to watch how Scott managed, with his tremendous Verve, to mold an orchestra out of this mess of undisciplined and untutored Chinese musicians. The most important soloist was a young guitarist Timmy Huang." (Joachim Ernst Berendt - Down Beat Nov.22, 1962)

Hong Kong
- Hilton Hotel's Den: Concerts
"You are certainly to be commended as one of the greatest clarinetists of all times as well as one of the finest performers we have ever had at our hotel, as is evidenced by the large audience you attract here nightly. You have creative imagination and an outstanding style all your own. Words cannot adequately describe your type of music and you must be heard personally to be really appreciated." (Kenneth S. Moss General Manager)

- Hindu Temple: played with the famous Indian singer of religious music, Tili Bai and her Indian musician's group.
- Air Force Clark Air Bases Apo 74: Concert

Music for Zen Meditation (Verve), most world's famous Tony Scott's record was recorded in 1964 in Tokyo with Shinichi Yuize(Koto) and flautist (shakuhachi) Hozan Yamamoto. With this record Tony Scott is considered the initiator of New Age music The idea he transmitted to the group was to play with an improvisational style utilizing the musical scales, feelings and cultural style of Japan:

"The clarinetist Tony Scott's 1964 Music for Zen Meditation has been called the first New Age album, followed by Paul Horn's 'Inside the Tai Mahal' and Oregon's 'Music of Another Era'. Keith Jarrett…George Winston…Tangerine Dream…Brian Eno…Jean Michel Jarre… Vangelis...Terry Reily…Le Monte Young…Philip Glass…Steve Reich." (Mike Zwerin - Intern. Herald Tribune)

"If any one album could lay claim to have launched the New Age music movement, this one can. Created in 1962, Scott's ethereal blend of clarinet, shakuhachi flute, and koto still sounds as evocative, peaceful and powerful as ever. The instrumentals promote relief of daily stress and frenetic mental activity, encouraging the listener to focus gently and begin a deep, refreshing meditation. Whether used as an aid to facilitate trance, meditation, massage, or reverie, or enjoyed simply as beautiful spacious music…Music for Zen Meditation is a classic." (Patti Jean Birosik- The New Age Guide book)

 
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