_ - Will Scott Biography

Will Scott is known for his distinctive voice, original roots songwriting, and unique finger-style and slide guitar style. Blending blues and Americana with a dash of rock and outlaw country, his soulful, live performances, and acclaimed recordings, have captivated crowds in the US and Europe for over twenty years.

Raised in Indianapolis, IN, and Chicago, IL, Scott grew up in a musical family tradition, surrounded by a mix of blues, bluegrass, traditional country, jazz, and rock & roll. His first recording project, “Too Damn Cold,” with Chicago-style blues outfit, The Forecasters, garnered critical acclaim. (“Will Scott has a good vibrato and a knack for surprises” –Blues Revue). Based in Bloomington, IN, The Forecasters (Will Scott, Jim Richter, J.J. Perry, Andrew Funke, and sometimes Tom Harold) performed regularly at the Slippery Noodle Inn, Bear's Place, the Bluebird, and other notable area venues. Will also spent some time co-hosting Piney Woods' "Blues House Party," and hosting an after-hours blues on WFHB community radio.

Scott’s first solo record, “Solo Electric Blues,” was started as a home-cooked recording project in Bloomington's "box car alley," and completed in a cabin near Los Angeles, CA. The recordings caught the attention of Ben Vaughn (That 70’s Show, Third Rock) and other notables in the California music industry. That album helped launch Scott into New York’s music scene when he moved there in 2002.

Scott's 2009 solo release, "Gnawbone,” named after a town in southern Indiana, was produced by gold record recipient, Preacher Boy (Blind Pig Records, Eagle Eye Cherry). Featuring guest performances by Jolie Holland, Samantha Parton (The Be Good Tanyas), and Jan Bell, "Gnawbone" was one of five album finalists in its category at the Independent Music Awards and received exceptional reviews in the US and abroad.

In 2011, Scott released "Keystone Crossing, supported by a tour that included a return performance at the renowned Glastonbury Festival as well as Maverick Festival and Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival. The album garnered nominations for Independent Music Awards, and best Rock Song in the International Songwriting Competition, and excellent press both side of the pond. Q Magazine's review called him "America's most soulful country blues artist." Classic Rock Magazine placed "Keystone Crossing" in their top 10 blues albums of the year.

Will is presently touring full-time with home bases in Southern Indiana, and Brooklyn, New York.