Album Notes

Scott Oakley began playing the piano at a young age, attended Berklee College of Music, then matriculated New England Conservatory of Music in Boston in 1978, Dean's List. While at the New England Conservatory he studied with Jaki Byard, George Russell, and composition with Tom McKinley. Charles Banacos was the major influence when it came to jazz piano instruction outside of school, and Madame Chaloff shared her insights about the Russian Piano Technique.

After freelancing in Boston and New York, Scott took a day job while continuing to write and play. During that time 5 records were released: Raphael's Revenge in '86', The Friendship House CD in '90', Yule Be Diggin' This in '93', Come Home Brother Johnson in '96', and Doberman Attack in '99'.

During the past decade The Scott Oakley Trio has performed numerous concert and club dates including a 3 year memorable stint at Raphael's in Portland Maine.

It is with some excitement that we release this CD called jazz for the holidays. Recorded with Los Angeles first call drummer Joe LaBarbera and bassist Darek Oles, this collection of holiday standards displays Scott's unique arranging and pianistic abilities.