Torah and Beauty and the Beast featuring Tommy Smith and Bill Evans
Directed by Tommy Smith

The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra is now widely recognised as the leading jazz ensemble of its kind in Europe, an ultra-dynamic, expressive and exciting big band of high quality individual talents playing as an organised collective force. Alongside programmes of classic jazz by Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk, the orchestra has made a notable feature of its success in creating new music.

Tonight’s concert presents two works, Torah and Beauty and the Beast, specially composed for the SNJO by its director, the world renowned saxophonist Tommy Smith. His other large scale works, including the re-composition of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, have been acclaimed internationally in concert and on disc.

Originally composed for American saxophone masters Joe Lovano and Dave Liebman respectively, this concert will feature former Miles Davis and Mahavishnu Orchestra saxophonist Bill Evans and Smith himself as soloists. Both musicians of extraordinary power, imagination and sensitivity, Evans and Smith will lead orchestra and audience alike through musical retellings of the Biblical description of the Creation and a famous European folk tale. Expect compelling new music from the heart of jazz’s blues roots.

PRE-CONCERT TALK Bill Evans & Tommy Smith will be in conversation discussing both works (6.45pm - 7.15pm, free to ticket holders).

www.snjo.co.uk

Read the article by Rob Adams of The Herald and Jim Gilchrist of The Scotsman here