He was named Trumpeter of the Year by DownBeat Magazine: Christian Scott, who recorded his third studio album with the legendary Rudy van Gelder. Although the sound of his trumpet does refer to Miles Davis, being a mere epigon isn't his style. Still, Scott does motivate his choice of Van Gelder as his recording technician because of what he considers to be the golden years of the 1950s and 60s. Besides Davis and Coltrane, Dylan and Hendrix are also his heroes. The 27-year-old Scott feels that the younger generation can learn a lot from their quality and energy. Especially in his groovy jazz with urban influences Scott stretches the lines by adding elements from free jazz. His album Yesterday You Said Tomorrow is rather accessible for that reason. A song like The Eraser by Radiohead's Thom Yorke also fits Scott's soundscape like a dream. Jamire Williams' creative drumming is striking. Scott is revered by hip-hoppers and jazz purists alike and that is a rare feat.
