Became fascinated with Raymond Scott a few years ago. His bio reads like a science fiction story. Spotify just recommended a new album of his jingles - "The Jingle Workshop." Great stuff, definitely worth an investigation.
There seems to be criminal lack of discussion here about Scott's contributions. Couldn't find a single thread.
I can recall a thread a long time ago, regarding early electronics records and I mentioned it. But it went no further than that.
I personally have "Manhattan Research, Inc.", and 2 of the 3 music for babies albums. The babies albums are nice to hear once in a while, but I find MR more entertaining. When I listen to it it makes me feel like I'm living in an old sci-fi movie--a retro-futuristic kind of thing. It's a pain in my butt that I was never able to come across the 2nd volume of the baby music. Maybe one day.
My first exposure to Raymond Scott was through John Williams (or more specifically his dad, who played drums in the Raymond Scott Quintet). But then I discovered what a fascinating renaissance man he truly was. There is a documentary that I recommend to everyone, directed by his son - DECONSTRUCTING DAD. Includes interview bits with Williams, Mark Mothersbaugh and others. The transition from exotica/big band jazz to electronic pioneering is a fascinating one indeed.
Super, thanks for recommendation. I wondered if there were any docs about him. Spotify must have recently put the Manhattan Research album up so I'm definitely giving that a listen too.
There seems to be criminal lack of discussion here about Scott's contributions. Couldn't find a single thread.
I think I started one ages ago. I certainly mentioned him in threads related to early electronic scores, as Scott contributed electronic scores for industrial films.
A 43-minute documentary on Raymond Scott aired on BBC Radio 3 last month (December 22, 2019). It's still available to listen to and/or download (apparently episodes of this particular documentary series remain available "indefinitely").
I finally got around to sitting through that radio show the other day. It was really good and even though it had info that was already well-known, it's still spreading the word on Scott--and that is a good thing.
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