Raymond Scott - Electronic Genius from the 1940s onwards

[rmassara]

Ladies and Gentleman,

The most wonderful thing about the internet is, in my opinion, finding new things and being educated everyday. The joy of learning. So, given I have only recently learnt about Raymond Scott myself, I would love to share the wealth with all of you.

The headlines? Electronic music genius who started to build his own instruments in the 1940s, and released some astonishing, ground breaking music from the later 40s until the 1970s and early 80s. Sadly he passed away in 1994, but his life story is well worth your time. What is even more amazing to me was his adaptability - a jazz musician that you will all know of* who re-invented himself as the Manhattan Research Inc, and build a mind boggling studio... IN THE 1950s!!!!

We are really looking at someone so far ahead of his time that he even employed Bob Moog! Oh no, not that Moog wasn't a genius himself, but if it weren't for Raymond Scott I somehow doubt we would all know him so well today.

Lets start with some super Raymond Scott you tube examples.

Portifino http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy77i...eature=related

Little Miss Echo (1963) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZuzA...eature=related

Cindy Electronium (1959) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SHJ6CcML80&feature=related

And the trailer for a documentary about him. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogJlnNqSHt0

And I haven't even started to talk about the muisic for babies albums (really, not as bad as it sounds - have a look on amazon) and" lightworks", and a thousand other bits of mid 20thC electronica.

So there you have it, a mad magician who built fantastic electronic instruments before just about anyone else (hey, I know the Theremin was first, but this is a whole other level). How wonderful it is to find out that the elecro world I inhabit as a Jarre fan really is much older than I realised. There is music here from 50 years ago, recorded in a purpose built, "Wall of sound" studio. And to top it all off, the mystery that is the Electronium.

The restoration works has started - lets all hope the magic will be heard again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otc6yRRK5WA


*(really - if you have ever watched a buggs bunny or road runner cartoon, then I guarantee you will have heard some of Raymond Scotts music - "powerhouse" is a prime example... look it up on youtube)