Tommy Smith - Gymnopedie - Inverness Courier

The Scottish jazz saxophonist, composer and orchestra leader works frequently with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the BT Scottish Ensemble and pianist Murray McLachlan who accompanies him on this programme of music by Satie, Bartok, Grieg and the jazz pianist Chick Corea, tasty morsels which are appetisers for more substantial fare - Smith's two sonatas for saxophone and piano whose influences range from Prokofiev to the Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek and songwriter Eubie Blake. Powerful yet lyrical works, they offer opportunities for improvisation and Smith employs a jazzman's expressive tone to haunting and thrilling effect.