Peter Johnstone International Organ Quartet

Award-winning keyboardist Peter Johnstone leads an international group of jazz virtuosi playing music that is rhythmically dynamic and full of colour and expression.

A former Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year, Johnstone was awarded a prestigious Yamaha Scholarship and went on to win the much-coveted Peter Whittingham Jazz Award with the band Square One before establishing himself as the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra’s resident pianist. As an organist his work with the trio Prime and with saxophonist Paul Towndrow’s trio has earned glowing reviews and his composing talents have been admired internationally.

Widely considered to be one of the major voices of his instruments, California-born, New York-based vibes master Joe Locke’s style blends flamboyant, almost balletic artistry with soulful, bluesy directness. His resume includes work with saxophonist Grover Washington Jnr, singer Dianne Reeves, pianist Kenny Barron and bassist Ron Carter, numerous orchestras and even the Beastie Boys. Locke’s quartet recordings, including Force of Four, have enjoyed overwhelming success by honouring tradition while looking to the future and keeping the present firmly in focus.

A presence on the international stage since his teenage years touring the world with vibes virtuoso Gary Burton, saxophonist Tommy Smith is revered for his magnificent tone production and improvisation skills. He has recorded for both the legendary Blue Note Records label and leading European outlet, ECM Records, toured with Norwegian bass master Arild Anderson and guitarist John Scofield, played with keyboard legend Chick Corea and bass guitar innovator Jaco Pastorius and fronted his own groups and solo projects.

With a range of experience that includes Steely Dan guitarist Larry Carlton, singer Carol Kidd, soul-soulsters Hue & Cry and Gaelic folk rockers Capercaillie, Alyn Cosker is one of the most in-demand drummers in the UK. As well as being the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra’s resident drummer, he leads his own group and is an accomplished composer with two albums under his own name.