The Toronto Jazz Community and beyond is mourning the sudden loss of acclaimed pianist and composer Robert G. Scott, who passed away unexpectedly on July 28, 2024 from a heart attack at age 48.

He was born in Burlington and raised in Hamilton, Ontario before moving to Toronto where he made indelible contributions to the city’s vibrant music scene.

Robert displayed exceptional musical talent from a young age. At 16, he received a four-year tuition scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating with a Bachelor of Music from Berklee, he studied music history at Harvard University and later earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto.

As an active member of the city’s jazz scene, he performed with notable acts such as Jeff Healey’s Jazz Wizards, Alex Pangman, Terra Hazelton, and Gene Hardy and served as the Musical Director of The Royal Jelly Orchestra. Robert was a beloved piano and composition teacher to many students. Between 2010 and 2015, Robert taught Grammy-nominated recording artist JP Saxe and took great joy in witnessing his success.

As a live performer, Robert was renowned for his virtuosic technique, uncanny eidetic musical memory, perfect pitch, and highly passionate and personal performances. He soared to prominence with his composition “Hollywood,” a collaboration with Michael Bublé. He earned the prestigious International Song of the Year at the 2012 SOCAN Awards and topped the Canadian Music Charts.

In 2001, Robert was the resident pianist for the rising star Michael Bublé at Toronto’s Reservoir Lounge. As a solo pianist, he held long-term residencies at the Four Seasons Hotel and the Jazz Bistro, where he charmed many stars with his rare improvisational skills and knowledge of all songs and themes in all genres.

As one half of the acclaimed “Power Duo” alongside percussionist great Bob Scott (no relation), Robert regularly performed at Reposado and the Pantages Hotel. Robert also often worked with vocalist Genevieve Marentette. The duo held weekly residencies at 120 Diner (2015) and the Jazz Bistro (2017).

Robert was no stranger to the JAZZ.FM91 family. He performed several times at the station in the Long & McQuade performance hall, and entertained Jazz Safari patrons for over 15 years, mostly from the lobby of the Pantages Hotel back in the day. He also hosted Jazz Jams after the station’s Jazz Lives concerts.

Robert’s musical journey extended beyond performance, and his collaboration with producer and former JAZZ.FM91 host Jaymz Bee spanned decades. He composed for three of Bee’s films and contributed to their soundtracks, including the theme song for an upcoming feature film slated for release in 2025.

Robert’s discography includes “PIANOPTIC” (recognized as CBC Radio’s Best of 2007), “MAKING STRIDES” with Kevin Clark, both produced by Jaymz Bee, “THE CITY DANCES” with Brandi Disterheft and Great Bob Scott, “TEN SHORT STORIES for piano” and “LIVE & IMPROVISED” with Genevieve Marentette (2020), produced by George Koller.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Mirela Cara, their twenty-month-old son, Ronan Alexandru Scott-Cara, and his parents, Linda Grant and Alan Scott.

His legacy as a consummate musician and composer lives on in the hearts of all who knew him and the melodies that enriched our lives. A celebration of life will take place later this month. An anthology of songs that Robert wished to release will be made available this winter.