Saxophonist
Tommy Smith pays tribute to his greatest inspiration, jazz icon John Coltrane with the quartet he formed in 2017 to mark the 50th anniversary of Coltrane’s death and his own 50th birthday.
A presence on the global jazz scene since his teenage years with Gary Burton’s Whiz Kids quintet, Smith has recorded for legendary jazz labels Blue Note and ECM and currently tours the world with Norwegian bass master Arild Andersen’s trio, widely regarded as one of the premier groups working in jazz today.
Drummer Sebastiaan de Krom has provided the rhythmical powerhouse behind Herbie Hancock and Jamie Cullum and pianist Peter Johnstone, a former Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year, and bassist Calum Gourlay bring experience from working with their own bands as well as with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra’s array of world-class guests.
Performing favourite Coltrane compositions alongside Smith’s own homages to his hero, Tommy Smith Quartet: Embodying the Light has been earning ecstatic responses on live dates across the UK and promises exciting music full of spirit, passion, devotion, and emotion.
SCOTSMAN *****
“an ensemble triumph…this elegant homage is an outstanding achievement in its own right”
“ Tommy Smith, the most talented
sax star to arrive on the
world scene in years.”
Gary Burton
publication
SCOTSMAN *****
“an ensemble triumph…this elegant homage is an outstanding achievement in its own right”
JAZZWISE ****
“In this powerful homage, Smith succeeds in showing us the way.”
THE HEARLD
“Absolutely top drawer: fluid, articulate, commanding and constantly surprising.”
THE GUARDIAN ****
“Smith’s eloquence on a saxophone is all his own.”
ILEACH
“The finest jazz recording of the decade, bar none. Truly wonderful.”
JAZZ JOURNAL ****
“Smith has managed to convey the special force and character of Coltrane’s music.”
LONDON JAZZ NEWS
“Smith really is a modern master of the tenor sax.”
JAZZ VIEWS
“Grace, Passion & Conviction.”
BEBOP SPOKEN HERE
“He is to Scottish Jazz what Robbie Burns was to Scottish Poetry.”
SANDY BROWN JAZZ
“Mr Smith has achieved something fundamentally fabulous.”