Scotty Böttcher was born in 1962 in Eisleben / GDR, where he grew up and had his first piano lesson at the age of 6 in Görlitz. Böttcher was a student of Jazz piano from 1979 until 1984 under Professor Günter Hörig, and studied composition under Professor Rainer Lischka at the Music College in Dresden. During this time he also took on self-study in vibraphone, electric bass, drums, and pipe organ. From 1982 until 1987, he worked as a vibraphonist in the Friwi Sternberg Quintet, and in 1982 was the vibraphonist in duo with cellist Ulrich Thiem, and this duo continues to perform together to this day. 

 

After the reunification of Germany in the Autumn of 1989, there were new possibilities, with new friends and new places to play music a.s.o. In 1990 Böttcher won the prize at the International Competition of Jazz Improvisation in Katowice (Poland). Since 1992, he has collaborated with international musicians Lou Grassi, Mack Goldsbury, Herb Robertson, Ernst Bier, Günter Baby Sommer, and more. In 1994 Böttcher improvised organ concerts as both a soloist as well as with several different musicians, and has also collaborated with modern dancers.

 

Böttcher has spent his entire musical life recording for both radio and television. As a multi-instrumentalist, Scotty is a sought after recording artist, with many CDs to his credit.  Since 2002, improvisational concerts have become more and more important, with Friedbert Wissmann being one of his most important duo partners and friends. Improvised organ concerts have played a big role in Böttcher's career, as both a soloist and also with duo partners. 

 

2011 saw the production of "No Silence," in duo with the American multi-instrumentalist Lisa Bella Donna, with Böttcher and Bella Donna sending files to each other via the Internet. 2016 brought forth "Looking Out, Looking On," and in 2018 "Electric Symphony," in trio with Friedbert Wissmann“ on synthesizer.

 

In January, 2020 Böttcher played an improvised music concert at the Blue Note Dresden, formed around sax player Paul Berberich, Evan Jagels on upright bass, and Scotty Böttcher on vibraphone. This was the very first time they played together. There were no rehearsals or advance discussions. 

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Night Service is the recent collaboration by Böttcher  and Jagels, and its story continues.