Scott Anthony Mullett

Scott A. Mullett, 58, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, at his home in Swanzey. He was a world-class musician renowned for his expertise as an improviser and interpreter of the Great American Songbook. He was appreciated for his brilliance, compassion, sense of humor and kindness. Scott stood shoulder to shoulder with and was respected by many of the finest jazz musicians in the world, but his greatest dedication was to honoring the legacy of jazz. Scott’s own legacy will be affirmed each time one of his students plays their instrument.

Scott’s path in life was set when, at age 8, he heard the Glen Miller Orchestra perform in his hometown of Keene. Starting at age 12, he took bus trips to New York City to attend a summer workshop at Julliard Music School and take private lessons. In high school, Scott was profoundly influenced by his band director, Robert C. Cummings. Upon graduation from Keene High School in 1976, he earned a scholarship to attend Berklee School of Music. Scott left formal schooling to tour with the bands of Artie Shaw and Woody Herman. He later served as musical director for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Scott toured or performed with Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Lionel Hampton, Rosemary Clooney, Mel Torme, Donna Summer, The Temptations and numerous others.

After two decades of performing across the globe, Scott returned to the Keene area to care for his ailing father, and to develop his career in the greater Boston area. He taught at Keene State College, and gave workshops at Berklee College of Music. He inspired and guided hundreds of developing musicians at many locations, including the Vermont Jazz Center where he served as faculty for over a decade. In 2003, Scott formed the Keene Jazz Orchestra, a community jazz ensemble that intentionally melds a multi-generational array of professional and student musicians. Scott selflessly gave his time to this ensemble without remuneration. Scott and the KJO were awarded the Ewing Arts Award in 2016. Scott was a regular performer in area jazz clubs, theater orchestras and concert venues. His working band, The Scott Mullet Trio, was enjoyed and respected for their hard-driving swing, telepathic interplay and vast repertoire. In addition to his work on the tenor saxophone, Scott also performed professionally on piccolo, flute, alto flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, and soprano, alto and baritone saxophones.

Scott was well loved by his numerous friends. Each felt fortunate to be enveloped by his generous spirit. His sense of humor was legendary: his quick wit, his rich laugh and his contagious zest for life. Scott enjoyed sports and the festive camaraderie that went along with it, especially Fenway Park and the Red Sox. He also loved the ocean and the beach; Bermuda and Provincetown were two of his favorite places on earth. Scott was well known as a jazz musician, but he also had a passion for classical music and opera. He enjoyed performing duets on flute, and listening to music was a daily priority. He adored Laura’s dog, Lucy, and he took her everywhere — Boston, the classroom, even the supermarket. Scott’s absence is a huge personal loss for all who knew him.

Scott is survived by his mother, Doris Mullett; his brother, Duane Mullett; his brother and sister-in-law, Dana and Maryann Mullett; his daughter and her husband, Emily and Brock Rafferty; girlfriend, Laura Borden and her dog, Lucy; his Aunt Shirley Paine; his nephews, Ryan Mullett, Reid Mullett and Caleb Mattson; his niece Abigail Mattson; his cousins; and hundreds of grieving friends and students.

A celebration of life is being tentatively planned for late spring/early summer in Keene. More information about this event will be made public shortly.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Keene Jazz Orchestra, for the Scott Mullett Fund for Jazz Education, 39 Ridgewood Ave., Keene, NH 03431. The Keene Jazz Orchestra is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.