It’s all about the jazz this weekend

A YOUTH band whose past members include some of the biggest talents in Scottish jazz will take to the stage in Dunfermline this weekend.

The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra will tune in at the Viewfield Baptist Church on Saturday.

The musical ensemble was founded by internationally acclaimed saxophonist Tommy Smith in 2002 to provide a free educational opportunity for Scotland’s best young jazz musicians.

Musicians who have performed with the group include Scottish Album of the Year Award winner 2022, pianist Fergus McCreadie, BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2022, bassist Ewan Hastie, and the Scottish

Jazz Awards 2022’s Best Instrumentalist winner, saxophonist Helena Kay.

Tommy explained: “I was aware that there were a lot of young musicians coming through, and I wanted to give them both a platform to play on and the chance to play music that would challenge and help them to develop without the need to pay for the opportunity.

“The music the young musicians play in TSYJO is the same music the same parts and arrangements that their older colleagues in the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra play.”

Many of the musicians who are currently appearing with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra have emerged through the

TSYJO which has become a success in the recording industry with three albums released.

Tommy added: “We can guarantee that the audience will hear orchestral jazz played with skill, verve and exuberance. And I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that, based on past examples, it’s a chance to hear the future of jazz in Scotland and beyond.”

The concert takes place on Saturday at 3.30pm and tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.