Tommy Smith Sextet: Beasts of Scotland

Tommy Smith’s Beasts of Scotland is one of the most successful commissions in Glasgow Jazz Festival’s history.

Inspired by the poetry the late Edwin Morgan created to describe the characteristics of Scottish wildlife, from the majestic golden eagle to the pesky midge, Smith created a suite of musical portraits that teemed with ideas and in performance crackled with jazz spontaneity.

Press reviews were ecstatic and the music went on to form one of Smith’s most compelling and enthusiastically received recordings on its release in 1996. Here for the first time in many years, Smith revisits a piece that represents one of his own musical triumphs, an exciting, beautifully composed response to his great friend’s witty and graphic writing.

Narrated by Tam Dean Burn.

Support from Square One, an award-winning Glasgow-based quartet, known for their brand of heavy-hitting melodic jazz and energised live performances. 

Presented by The Queen's Hall and supported by Creative Scotland and Medici Advisors