Album Notes

SCOTT FISHER & 1a.m. Approach

Scott Fisher takes a confident step forward both sonically and emotionally with his second national release Step Into The Future.


THE STORY: STEP INTO THE FUTURE
Los Angeles/Portland, Oregon-based Scott Fisher is a sophisticated piano pop artist whose keyboard mastery, radiant vision and ear-and-eye-catching poise has drawn a talented group of believers to his upcoming release. The album’s basic tracks were finished in early 2006 at Portland’s 8 Ball Studio. It was originally intended to be a quick follow up to his 2005 self-titled national debut, which had broken the Top 100 at Triple A radio and gained considerable national press – remarkable for an independent, self-produced act.

Back in LA, Fisher’s work caught the attention of two Grammy™ winning engineers who offered to mix the album in between major label obligations. With Fisher holding the album’s musical vision as producer, Jesus “Chuy” Flores (Ricky Martin, Intocable) and Dave Way, who worked on recent albums from Fiona Apple, Ziggy Marley and Sheryl Crow, each contributed mixes to the album. Early in 2007, mastering guru Don Tyler (James Blunt, Elliott Smith) burnished the disc to its final luster.

The album’s twelve tracks draw upon themes of love lost and showcase Fisher’s lyrical exploration of consciousness, spirituality and social change. On cuts like “Step Into The Future” (the album’s single), “3000 Years,” and “See the Day,” Fisher advocates inner revolution and the questioning of old foundations and self deceptive concepts. While “Atmosphere” and “Shades of Blue” delve into the affairs of the heart, offering sensitive commentary on the human condition.

Step Into the Future is indeed a strong step forward for Scott Fisher as an emerging national artist.


BACK STORY: SCOTT FISHER
Fisher, a Portland, Oregon native, grew up in a bilingual French diplomat family and began classical piano studies at age six; by age 14 he had formed a band with Tye North (later of Leftover Salmon). While majoring in Philosophy and Political Science at Boston University Fisher toured with two popular jazz-fusion jam bands. He returned to Portland and recorded a five-song EP that earned him his first national acclaim with official showcases at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. That year Fisher followed with a strong indie release, Fleeing Towards Creation – 17th most added in its first week on the College Music Journal charts. In 2005, his first national release, Scott Fisher, cracked the top 100 at Triple A radio and reached #2 at WBCG in Punta Gorda, FL. Over 20 stations nationwide added album tracks. National media included Keyboard Magazine, Allmusic.com, Music Connection, and Genre Magazine. Fisher lives part-time in LA were he does session work for producer Jeff Trott (Sheryl Crow, BMI Songwriter of the Year) and as a tour sideman for Reyli, a platinum-selling Mexican pop artist. Fisher and his band tour extensively and earn coveted spots at events like the The High Sierra Festival, Bite of Oregon, and the Suzuki Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon where they opened for Live.

THE BAND: 1 a.m. APPROACH
Guitarist Bob Dunham’s expressive solos and distinctive riffs pair beautifully with Fisher’s deft keyboards. Enrique Gonzalez is acknowledged as one of the best young drummers to come out of Mexico – brimming with rhythmic charisma, he brings a driving passion to 1a.m. Approach.


A Step Into The Future
Since Scott Fisher's last album, his music seems to have matured at hyperspeed. Fisher sounds like Jack Johnson leading the Ben Folds Five with touches of Medeski Martin and Wood's groove, Brad Mehldau's pop-jazz fusion and Dave Matthews' knack for vocal melodies.
- Bend Bulletin

Scott Fisher’s music is fresh and different. We were excited to feature him on our Mountain Music Lounge and look forward to spreading the word. Take a listen...Fisher is really something special.
- Haley Jones, APD/MD – KMTT
Seattle WA

Scott Fisher’s last release went to #2 on our station – Jack Johnson was at #1. An artist to be reckoned with now and in years to come – Fisher is a future core artist who is "true to the music."
- G. Michael Keating, PD/MD – WBCG
Punta Beach FL

Four out of Five Stars
Insanely skilled…Fisher is a sticking talent with the allure of Keane and the boldness of Ben Folds. Fans of keyboard pop from Joe Jackson to Five for Fighting will not be disappointed.
- Allmusic.com
Review of Scott Fisher

Charismatic vocals adorn tunes that cast a nod at Billy Joel and Dave Matthews.
- Keyboard magazine
Review of Scott Fisher

Similar to Chris Martin of Coldplay, Fisher is a magnetic vocalist and skilled musician - a spirited piano man for the new millennium
- Music Connection
Viper Room Live Review

In Fisher’s emotionally rich, carefully crafted music you’ll hear shades of Herbie Hancock, Steely Dan, even Paul McCartney. His songs can hang with anything by David Gray, Coldplay or Maroon 5 on contemporary radio. This guy’s got soul and he’s armed with way more than just hope and a prayer in getting his music to the masses.
- Oregonian
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