We just received the sad news that Scott Moritz, known in Portland music circles as Scotland Barr, has passed away after a battle with cancer. His band, Scotland Barr and the Slow Drags, made rootsy Americana rock that encompassed a wide stylistic range, highlighted by Barr’s empathetic and unpretentiously soulful vocals.
Portlanders also will know Barr as the creator of the ubiquitous Secret Aardvark Hot Sauce, which graces tables at eateries all over town. I’ve got a bottle in my kitchen cupboard right now. Our thoughts are with Moritz’s friends and families during this sad time. Thanks, Scotland, for the music and the heat. You will be missed.
This is sad news. I do love me some Secret Aardvark Sauce.
Very sad news indeed, but the Secret Aardvark shall live on; have no worries Portland.
I don’t know anything about the man, but I love him for bringing Secret Aardvark into my life.
Yep, knew the guy well, had fun, had memories, seemed like he had many more miles on him, too bad death got him so soon, sadly it may get us too, so live life greater in memory of those who have left it sooner than later.
yeah that hot sauce is something special!
We’ll miss Scotland. Fortunately his music and his hot sauce live on. Turn up the tunes and pour on the sauce to honor Scott at this sad time.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and bandmates
I did not know Scotland well, I was a fan of his excellent band and the few times I met with him he was a hell of a nice guy. I was so blown away by his stoic, courageous persistance to persue his music and entertain his fans until the end. He was an inspiration. Jam on Scottland!
I did not know Scott well. I was a fan of his excellent band. The few times that I did get to visit with him he was a hell of a nice fellow. I was blown away by his stoic, courageous persistence to perform his music and entertain his fans until the end. He was an inspiration in life and in passing. Rock on Scott!
I have known Scotland Barr (Scott) most of his life, as our families were very close friends when we lived in San Diego, back in the 70’s. Guess I have been one of his greatest fans, since he was a teen, strumming & singing with friends out in their garage. I was fortunate to go to Portland in June and see him and that wonderful band perform live, also to stay a few days & visit with he and Stacy, and his mom,
Betsy, my best friend. He and the band were so talented, so turn up his music and listen to the words! His famed Aardvark Sauce is just one of his great achievements, along with his delicate palate for Gourmet cooking.
Scott…you will be sorely missed….and always in our hearts.
Carol B.
I hung out with Scott in the early days, when we were irresponsible teenagers and ran in a loose pack of hippies and derelicts self-dubbed “Aardvarks” (hence the name of the hot sauce). I’m crying as I sit here listening to his music. My thoughts are with his family, and especially Stacy. I’m glad I got to see him here in NYC a couple of months ago. You’ll be missed, my friend, but never forgotten (despite the title of your latest album).
Scotland Barr…..lured me in with his soulful lyrics, along with powerful music…..yet, always ready with a wink and a smile at any of the Portland venues. A true Gentleman! I will head out tomorrow and grab a case of “hot sauce” and with it, I’ll savor the taste, as I savor the sound of the Slow Drags……
We had a lot of friends in common within the Portland Roots/Americana scene. Scotland was gifted and committed to his music and his band, and had so much more to give. His singing voice was beautifully weathered with the patina of hard times. I’m stunned at his taking. I’m so sad for his loved ones. I just shake my head and wonder.
Drunken Jerk
we love it so
after work
before a show
Drunken Jerk
with lamb or beef
Like to pick it from
our teeth
Drunken Jerk
why’d you leave
when we’re stuck here
to drink and grieve
Drunken Jerk
you’re quite a guy
way too soon to say good bye
Junken Derk
12 strings or six
See you at the River Styx
Drunken Jerk
with hush puppies gold
we really thought that you’d grow old
but
Drunjen kerk
it’ snot to be
just too damn hot
for us to see
that
Drunken Jerk
known far and wide
has slipped on over
to the other side
hell dude – who’s watching the coals?
Grew up with the man in Del Mar, CA. Plenty-o-good surf sessions together. He used to live in the Santa Cruz area for several years (late 80’s – early 90’s). Moved to Portland in ’92. He went to the Western Culinary Institute and invited a couple of us to move up there to join him in some musical ventures (Prey for Rain, etc.). Played all the local clubs for nothin’ but “beer for the band!” But it was great fun and we loved just getting up there playin’ for friends, other bands, and all their friends as well. As life took it’s turns, we all ended up playin’ in separate groups, but everyone still hung out. Last saw him about 3 years ago at a show in Eugene. Can’t believe the news!!! Love the music and the sauce (keep it flowin’ Stacy)!
Very Sad, Had the opportunity to play with the Slow Drags and know that Scotts tunes will stand the test of time. Im ordering some hot sauce now!!