Tom Scott

Tom Scott is one of the founders of smooth fusion and contemporary jazz. The saxophonist cut his first two discs for the legendary Impulse record label when he was just 19, proving that he could play in any conceivable style (from bop to experimental to highly commercial jazz). After that auspicious beginning, Scott concentrated on crossing over and formed the jazz-funk band L.A. Express, which showcased his brand of saxophone playing: a style that's almost as soulful as Grover Washington, Jr.'s and David Sanborn's but even more indebted to rock music. This convergence of R&B, soul jazz and rock quickly mellowed to become a touchstone of the smooth jazz scene. A native Angelino, Scott also makes music for Hollywood productions, and playahs the world over love him for giving them the theme to Starsky and Hutch.