June 2005 ~ Featuring Scott McDowell
This month, I would like to focus your attention on a fairly new individual in Southern Gospel Music. His name is Scott McDowell, and he is the pianist for Brian Free and Assurance. I was first formally introduced to Scott when I was playing on a recording session outside of Atlanta, GA. Ricky Free was on the same session playing drums, and he brought with him their new pianist. During one of our breaks from recording, Ricky had Scott to play something on the piano for me. I was amazed to say the least. From what I understand, this young man spends most all of his spare time practicing and trying to improve. I on the other hand, am very lazy when it comes to learning new things. He is way ahead of many of his peers on piano skills. All I can say is, Scott, give us some time to catch up!

Scott McDowell was born on March 14, 1985. He is the son of Wayne and Laurenda McDowell. He has two younger sisters, Suzanne (18) and Lauren (16). Scott is from Asheboro, North Carolina, but makes his home now in Douglasville, Georgia. In 1991, on a Sunday evening in his bedroom, Scott's father led him to the Lord. Scott says that this has been the most significant event in his life. From that day forward, his perspective of life changed. He decided then that in whatever capacity God should choose to use him, his life was totally for the Lord's use. Scott is a member of Rushwood Park Wesleyan Church, in Asheboro, NC.

Scott says that his father and mother are the most loving and supportive people in his life. They have made so many sacrifices over the years for him to pursue a career in music, and have always been there for him. He says that his sisters, Suzanne and Lauren, are two sweet and talented young ladies. They have always gotten along well and are still very close friends. His hobbies include reading and listening to music. He is a huge fan of classical music. Scott's biggest influences are all pianists. They include session player Gordon Mote, jazz players Chick Corea, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and classical pianist Evgeny Kissin.

Several months ago, when I wrote about Ricky Free in this article, I asked him how he got his job. Which was a silly question since he is the boss's son. Well, I figure it's safe to ask it this time. Scott said that he heard that Brian Free was looking for a pianist, so he sent a demo cd to Ricky Free. Ricky called him back and wanted to meet at a church for an audition. After playing a few songs they offered the job to Scott. He started playing for the group in November of 2003. Even though Scott has only been with the group about a year and a half, he has definitely grabbed the attention of fans across the country. He was recently nominated in the Top 10 Favorite Pianists and Horizon Individuals in the Singing News Fan Awards, as well as being nominated for Favorite Band along with Ricky Free.

Scott shared a humorous and embarrassing incident with me that took place this past year. It took place when they performed at Jonathan Byrd's Cafeteria in Greenwood, Indiana. At the end of their first set, he got up from his stool and started to walk off the stage as usual, but left his ear monitors plugged into their long extension that was still connected to him. He got about three feet away when the slack ran out and jerked him back by the ears like a fish on a line. He says that everyone was laughing at him before he realized exactly what happened. It was great!

For more information on Scott, visit the group online at: www.brianfreeandassurance.com. Brian Free and Assurance is one of my favorite quartets. I have every cd that they have recorded since Brian started his own group. I even have most of the old Gold City recordings. This year appears to be a great one for BF&A. They are nominated in several categories in the Singing News Fan Awards. Brian is not only nominated for Favorite Tenor, but for Favorite Male Vocalist! Bill Shivers is nominated for Favorite Lead Singer, Derrick Selph is up for Favorite Baritone, Ricky is up for Favorite Musician, He and Scott for Band, Scott for pianist and Horizon Individual. They are also nominated for Favorite Male Quartet, Favorite Album, Song, and Video! Wow quite an impressive list! Keith Plott is the bass singer for the group and I'm sure that once you hear him sing, he will be one of your favorites as well. Their latest project titled "Live In New York City" is the one nominated for album and video. It contains the hit song "Long As I Got King Jesus". They have an awesome arrangement on this classic. Be sure to pick up your copy of this project at a BF&A concert soon, or order it from their website. I know that you will enjoy it!