The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra is bringing what is believed to be one of the biggest-ever celebrations of jazz legend Duke Ellington’s music to Glasgow on Friday November 29.
Comprising thirty-four musicians, Remembering Duke will feature an opening set by the seventeen-strong Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra.
The SNJO will then play its internationally-acclaimed Ellington interpretations with their special guest, singer Lucy-Anne Daniels adding gospel music-inspired selections of the great composer’s songs.
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“Duke Ellington has been an inspiration to musicians and composers across the musical spectrum for almost 100 years,” says SNJO founder and musical director, saxophonist Tommy Smith.
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“The breadth of his writing encompasses songs that were the pop music of the day and hugely descriptive suites that compare with works in the classical canon in terms of ambition.
“It’s wonderful to witness young players from the TikTok era finding their way into playing jazz through Ellington as generations before have done.”
The SNJO’s expertise as Ellington interpreters has developed over its twenty-eight-year history and was recognised internationally through its 2012 recording, In the Spirit of Duke, which captured the orchestra in top form live on tour.
“To be praised in the US for performing Duke Ellington’s music was special recognition,” says Smith.
It’s wonderful to witness young players from the TikTok era finding their way into playing jazz through Ellington as generations before have done - Tommy Smith
“Quite a few of the musicians who took part in that tour are no longer with us but the players who have come in have picked up the baton, knowing that they must measure up to high standards.
“At the same time, Ellington is now in the orchestra’s DNA and his music is an essential part of what we do.”
For Remembering Duke, the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra will reinvigorate Ellington classics and rarities, adding to the SNJO’s command of highlights from throughout the master’s repertoire.
The Glasgow concert is one of three tour dates and takes place at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
“We’re looking forward to playing this great music, which has so much depth and character, and to giving the audience an experience that will be authentic in every way in terms of staging, attire and equipment as well as the music,” says Smith.
“The ‘new auditorium’, as it still seems to be known, at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall has become a familiar venue for us and it’s a great setting. We always enjoy the atmosphere and playing to the appreciative audiences who turn out to see us there.”
- SNJO: Remembering Duke featuring Lucy-Anne Daniels, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, November 29, 2024, 7.30pm. Tickets here.
