Drummer swings mightily among several bands

Although acclaimed percussionist Yonrico Scott already has a gracious plenty on his musical plate, he admits that assembling his work schedule often hinges on the touring whims of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Eric Clapton and Gregg Allman.

That's because Scott, who fronts his own trio and performs regularly with jazz legend Earl Klugh, also provides the backbeat for the Derek Trucks Band, whose leader has been a member of the Allman Brothers Band since 1999 and who has been part of Clapton's touring band for the past several years.

"It's a tight wire," says Scott, who was born in Detroit but has made his home in Atlanta for three decades. "I've learned that over the years, you've got to prioritize. The Derek Trucks Band is No. 1 for me, and it's been a great situation because we've been touring the world, which gives me a chance to do a little self-promotion."

A frequent visitor to Athens, Scott and his band mates Kofi Burbridge (keyboards, woodwinds) and Todd Smallie (bass) will team up with Australian guitarist Geoff Achison for the Acho/Rico Funk Soul Experiment tonight at The Melting Point.

Scott says he met Achison several years ago at the Inman Park Festival in Atlanta and collaborates with the veteran bluesman during his infrequent visits to the Atlanta area.

"We've had a great musical relationship," he says. "I love him - he's such a sweet guy. It's a loss to Atlanta whenever Geoff goes back home, but he always seems to come back. Globetrotting for Geoff is pretty normal, and he's a bright talent. He's probably in his 40s, but I'm 53, so he's a young cat to me. His playing just burns - he's a well-kept secret."

The Acho/Rico Funk Soul Experiment is, as Scott explains it, "swampy blues with a jazz overtone" with plenty of high-level improvisation guaranteed.

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