NOEL SCOTT
alto saxophonist with the Sun Ra Arkestra

Noel Ajiboye Scott, born Noel Scott, 7/18/56 in Baltomore Md. Son of Brooks and Kathaniel Walker Scott, brother to James Roy Herrington of New Orleans, William Michael Scott of Jamaica Queens NY, Gene Walker, Lance Walker, and Jann Walker Young of Chester S. Carolina. Married Sharon Myers of Hartfort Conn. in 1983. Father of Ms. Naomi Brooke Scott - 5/16/81 and Mr.Nilelijah Scott -11/2/82. Raised by Deacon Robert Vincent Nero and Edith Octavia Nero of Jamaica Queens. Studied piano at age 10. Started clarinet at age 12,Alto sax a year later and baritone sax throughout jr and Senior High school. Played baritone sax in the Queens Boro-wide band. Graduated Music Honors from Andrew Jackson HS in 1974. Studied at Queens College from 1974-76. Studied Music of the African -American Tradition under Multi-instrumentalist, woodwind specialist, educator, ( Dr. Ken (Makanda) McIntyre and percussionist Warren Smith. from 1976-79 Graduating from State University of New York-College at Old Westbury with Academic Honors in1979. Joined Warren Smiths Composers Workshop Ensemble while becoming part of the Harlem Jazz community in1978. Recruited by Sun Ra under recommendation of trombonist Craig Harris in July 1979 recording with Sun Ra on Omniverse, and On Jupiter, Strange Celestial Road,Live at Vilislau(Sunrise in Different Dimentions), Mayan Temples, and at least 20 other lps.

Noel Scott has recorded on Alto, Tenor, Baritone sax, Flute, and Contra-alto Clarinet. Between 1981 and 88. Noel worked with Olu Dara, Seleno Clarke, Bobby Forrester, Jack McDuff, Lawrence 88 Keys, Andy Razaf, and became a fixture at Harlems swingingist clubs (Showmans Cafe, Smalls Paradise, Red Rooster, Lickety Split, and La Famille to name a few.) Sun Ra called Noel back to the Arkestra in 1988 and Noel became Sun Ras aide during the years Sun Ra was disabled by stroke.

Noel next served as assistant to Marshall Allen as Marshall became Director of the Sun Ra Arkestra in 1995. In 1998 Noel began working on a concept he labeled BeBop and Beyond ,recording and leading an ensemble playing his original compositions..Noel is currently active in Philadelphia concentrating on the alto sax, playing with the Sun Ra Arkestra and hs BeBop and Beyond Ensemble. Noel Scott is considered as one of the Keepers of the Flame of the Bebop tradition.