BIO
Scott Ryckman is a Pacific Northwest native who came up in the Seattle Jazz Scene. A graduate of Kentridge High School, Scott was mentored by renowned band director Paul Harshman and saxophonist Jordon Ruwe. Scott studied Music at Bellevue College under Jazz education guru Hal Sherman before transferring to the University of Washington to further his studies.
In 1999 Scott met his wife Andrea and transferred to Washington State University, where he completed his B.A. in Music in 2001 and an M.A. in Music with an emphasis in Jazz Studies in 2003. Scott was awarded a full scholarship while earning his M.A., and served as the graduate teaching assistant for the WSU Jazz Studies area. This opportunity sharpened his education skills by teaching music history, Jazz improvisation and history, the history of Rock n’ Roll, and directing the Jazz Big Band II. His capstone project consisted of transcribing and analyzing a collection of improvised solos of Jazz legend Jackie McLean.
Scott played in venues across the PNW throughout college, served as an adjudicator at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, and his quintet was the resident band at Rico's Smokehouse in Pullman, WA. Scott’s quartet regularly performed for dignitaries and guests of the President of WSU, and earned honors at the UNLV Jazz Festival, the University of Idaho Jazz Festival, the Reno International Jazz Festival, and the UC Greely Jazz Festival. In 2003 his quartet was featured in Jazziz magazine showcasing outstanding college musicians from across the nation. The issue included a recording of Scott’s original composition, Crazy Eddie.
In 2003 Scott and Andrea relocated to the Boston area to pursue music full-time. He played clubs throughout the New England area, and taught Jazz improvisation, small groups, and private saxophone at the prestigious Milton Academy and The Joy of Music Program.
Scott returned to the PNW in 2006 and began a career in public service at the Bellingham Fire Department, where he now serves as a Paramedic and the Division Chief of Emergency Medical Services.
Scott has studied and shared the stage with Jordon Ruwe, Jay Thomas, Don Lanphere, Julian Preister, Marc Seales, Michael Glynn, Darren Motamedy, Warren Wolf, Jason Palmer, Barry Harris, Greg Yasinitsky, Horace Alexander Young III, Greg Adams (Tower of Power), Chad McCullough, Geof Bradfield, Julie Silvera, Tobi Stone, Mark Taylor, Jerry Bergonzi, George Garzone, John Faddis, Bill Waltrous, Andrew Glynn, Greg Abate, Ralph Lalama, Jumaane Smith (Michael Bluble Big Band) and Jerry Weldon (Harry Connick Jr. Band).
Equipment
King Zephyr Alto Saxophone
Theo Wanne Lakshmi Metal Alto 8
Boston Sax Shop Silver 3.5 Reeds
https://www.bostonsaxshop.com/our-reeds
Yamaha Tenor
Theo Wanne Lakshmi Tenor 8
Boston Sax Shop Silver #3.5 Reeds