Born in Chicago, Sawyer was introduced to jazz and other music at an early age via his father’s record collection, which included recordings by John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis, Lou Rawls, Nancy Wilson and others. Early on, Jimi Hendrix and Michael Bloomfield caught his ear and that led to blues and blues/roots influenced rock. Paul Butterfield, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Tim Buckley, The Doors, and Tom Waits were early inspirations.
By the time he landed in Greensboro, NC as a junior in high school, Scott had lived in Chicago-land, Maine, and Texas. Already immersed in the Chicago blues, he was exposed to Southern roots/rock music and fusion. Over time, jazz became a priority. Guitarist Jim Hall caught his ear and sparked a deeper interest in jazz guitar and harmony; lessons with John Scofield and Mick Goodrick added fuel to the fire. He landed a steady gig in Greensboro, NC with vibraphonist Jon Metzger and bassist Charles Dungey that lasted a couple of years. From 1984-1996 Sawyer’s trio and special guests performed most Wednesdays at the legendary Pyewacket in Chapel Hill, NC.
Sawyer has shared the stage and/or recorded with many artists of note, including John Abercrombie, Charlie Byrd, David Murray, Oteil Burbridge, ‘prima ballerina’ Marie-Christine Mouis, Bob Cranshaw, Buster Williams, Ron Brendle, Ed Thigpen, Grady Tate, Kobie Watkins, Dave Finucane, Bill Anschell, Ed Paolantonio, Keith Waters, Willie Pickens, Tony Williamson, Kate McGarry, Nnenna Freelon, Lois Deloatch, Carolyn Ghezzi, Danny Aiello (to name a few).
In 1985 Sawyer toured Central America as a member of the Jon Metzger Quartet (USIA Arts America Program). He’s recorded and performed here and abroad since 1989 with jazz singer Nnenna Freelon (1992 Philip Morris Superband World Tour and more).
Sawyer’s latest album “Change of Scene” (with Oteil Burbridge and Scott Amendola) was released Nov 2022. “Night Visions” was released in 2020. “Dreamers” (2013) includes guest appearances by Kate McGarry. “Go There” (2007) featured Kofi and Oteil Burbridge and charted on XM Radio. “Guitarspeak” (EP, 1999) was preceded by “In The Stream” (1993). Sawyer has appeared on 45+ recordings spanning a range of genres including Abigail Dowd’s “Beautiful Day” (2021); David Childers and Bruce Piephoff “Army Town Madrigal” (2016); Stephen Anderson and the 360° Jazz Initiative’s “Distracted Society” (2015); Keith Water’s “Carolina Tracks” (2012, guitar and Associate Producer); Bruce Piephoff’s “Soft Soap Purrings” (2014, Co-Producer, electric/acoustic gtr) and “Still Looking Up at the Stars” (2012, Co-Producer, electric/acoustic gtr); “The Meldavians-Farewell to Arigemon” (2012); Nnenna Freelon’s “Homefree” (2010), her 1997 Grammy-Nominated “Shaking Free”, “Live” (Kennedy Center, 2003) and “Listen” (1993) albums; Lois Deloatch’s “Roots: Jazz, Blues Spirituals” (2010; guitar and Co-Producer) and Bill Anschell’s “a different note all together” (1998), to name a few. He arranged & recorded “The Glory Of Love” w/ actor Danny Aiello, as featured in the Cinecom film “Once Around”.
In 2013 Sawyer joined the Durham Jazz Workshop faculty where he works with adult combos and offers private instruction. He’s a former teaching instructor at East Carolina University (2010-2022) and UNC-CH (2012-2020).
He continues to perform often, freelancing and leading his own groups.
