Kendrick Scott one of a select few: Video

08.07. – Happy Birthday !!! Kendrick ‘KADS’ Scott was born and raised in Houston, Texas. His initial inspiration and appreciation for music came from growing up in a household of musicians. The first encounters Kendrick had with the drums were in church, where his parents and older brother were involved in the music ministry.

At age six his parents, Stepheny and Kenneth recognized Kendrick’s interest in the drums and purchased him a drum pad and lessons. “As a kid, I remember listening to the music at church and feeling chills in my body. I knew then, that music was my calling.”

Scott was influenced greatly by many drummers early on, including hometown up-and-comers Eric Harland and Chris Dave, as well as masters like Tony Williams, Papa Jo Jones and Max Roach. Scott was later accepted to Houston’s famed High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) where his high school career culminated in many awards – the most notable being The Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Fellowship, given by the International Association for Jazz Education and The National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts.

Upon graduation from high school in 1998, Kendrick was awarded a scholarship to attend The Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. At Berklee, Scott majored in Music Education. “Going to Berklee was pivotal for my growth as a musician. I met so many great amazing musicians and friends,” he exclaims. As an undergrad, Scott gigged with Pat Metheny, Gary Burton and Kenny Garrett.

Life after Berklee has been equally successful as Kendrick has enjoyed stints with John Scofield, Joe Sample & The Crusaders, Stefon Harris, Lizz Wright, Maria Schneider, Terence Blanchard, David Sanborn and Dianne Reeves, to name a few. “Playing with these great artists has opened my eyes to playing the moment; not the past. It has been a revelation in my music and in my daily life.”

The Source offers clear evidence that Kendrick Scott one of a select few to offer intriguing ventures beyond known musical territory. “The most rewarding thing for me is to know this is the beginning and that I have so many lessons to learn and grow from.”