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Scott Brown 415

Born and raised in San Francisco’s Mission District, Scott Brown began his music studies on piano at the Community Music Center, where he attended from age 7 through age 11. This was the extent of his formal training. After developing interest in the San Francisco Punk Scene and switching instruments from piano to electric guitar in his teens, he played with Mission District punk band ‘Zona Roja’ from 1985 through 1989. Also during that time, (1988-1991) he experimented with the ‘Improvisational Rock’ genre with a group called ‘Rula’, on electric guitar and percussion. The group was a trio (with drumset and bass) and would play songs totally improvised, as well as a few arranged songs. At the beginning of the session, the only guidelines would be key signature and tempo. However, even these things may have changed throughout the tune.

Around this time, after exploring diversity in music, he developed an interest in Latin Jazz and Salsa. Attending various workshops and classes by such professionals as Carlos Frederico continued to spark an interest. However, after seeing Yomo Toro play live at a Mission District Street Fair, he knew that the Cuatro was the instrument for him. With the Cuatro came interest in Puerto Rico’s Musica Jibara, and its numerous masters, such as Ramito, Chuito and Nieves Quintero. This led to the desire to start a Salsa Orquesta, and Orquesta Surco Nuevo was born, formed along with master timbalero Orlando Morales and other key musicians. Scott Brown bucked the San Francisco Salsa Scene trends of the time (mid-90’s Salsa Romantica) by performing Salsa Classica or Salsa Dura at many of the scene’s clubs at the time. As the musical director/leader, he composed numerous original compositions and contributed new arrangements to old school Salsa standards. As the Booking Manager, he booked the band in various venues such as San Francisco’s Club Cocomo, San Jose’s Jazz Festival and Pittsburg’s Seafood Festival. Orquesta Surco Nuevo enjoyed a run from 1993-2005, released their self-titled CD in 1999 (with Scott Brown producing, composing, arranging all original material, providing CD Artistic Design and overseeing all recording sessions), and then was disbanded when he relocated to Hayward.

Working with various other groups for a couple of years, Scott Brown finally decided to begin another Orquesta de Salsa so along with long time collaborator Orlando Morales, Orquesta Salsa Dura was born in May of 2007. This group, emphasizing hard-driving Salsa Dura with strong improvisation/soloing from all members is always an exciting show to listen to as well as dance. This group has played at venues such as Garberville’s Summer Arts Festival and The Redwood City Salsa Festival.

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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Sonrisa

Ahau Records
2015

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This

Ahau Records
2012

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Now What

Ahau Records
2011

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