Randy Brecker (tpt) w. SNJO - Ryan Quigley, Tom MacNiven, Cameron Jay, Lorne Cowieson (tpts); Chris Greive, Phil O'Malley, Kevin Garrity, Michael Owers (tmbs); Martin Kershaw, Paul Towndrow (alt); Tommy Smith (MD), Konrad Wiszniewski (ten); Bill Fleming (bar); Steve Hamilton (pno/keys); Kevin Glasgow (bs); Kevin Mackenzie (gtr); Alyn Cosker (dms).
This was an incredible evening - a living legend in the form of Randy Brecker, arguably the world's best big band and a youthful ensemble that may one day be playing with them.
The big picture was a tribute to the late Michael Brecker, younger brother of tonight's headliner. All compositions were by Michael Brecker and the variety and the authoritativeness of his writing showed just why he'd won so many Grammys. Big brother Randy displayed an awesome technique both open horned and muted as well as by occasionally incorporating various effects units. Not that this was a case of USA 5 Scotland 1.
Far from it.
In Ryan Quigley Scotland have a trumpet player who can hold his own with anyone - even Randy Brecker. Tom MacNiven also impressed on flugel whilst among the reeds MD Tommy Smith's tenor fitted well into the role of Brecker jr. as did Konrad W. with altoists Towndrow and Kershaw too having their chance to put the boot in. Kevin Mackenzie had some tasty moments on guitar but, great as the soloists are with SNJO, it is the power and the depth, the light and the shade of the band that is their strength. If this band were allowed to go under because of funding problems it would be the biggest Scottish disaster since Culloden.
Earlier, Brecker had made an appearance with the Edinburgh Schools Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Dan Hallam.
With a three girl vocal group (The St. Andrew's Sisters?) they gave a spirited work out to The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy From Company B. America's own bugle boy blew on the next number giving the young players something to add to their CV.
A pre-show talk between Brecker and Tommy Smith revealed much about the brothers early musical lives and, in answer to my question, Randy said he had a couple of projects in the offing one of which was a Brecker Brothers alumni reunion with such as David Sanborn and Mike Stern. Another mouthwatering prospect but, for the moment, I'll savour for eternity tonight's gig.Incidentally, should you visit the Queen's Hall, Edinburgh (Carol Kidd's on next week with Brian Kellock) then go early. There's a host of book shops, record shops, charity shops, pubs nearby - Princes Street? Forget it - this is the real Edinburgh.
Lance.
Edinburgh Schools Jazz Orchestra: Dan Hallam (MD); Florence Clark, Manon Davis, Cameron Sanderson, Fergus Kelly (alt); Michael Tai, Max Clee (ten); Jarvan Herman (bar). Aaron Akugbo, Magnus Westwell, Michael Watson, David Watson, Michaila Mark (tpts); Rory Hand, Euan Fraser, Conor Joss, Leon Ballin, Adam Crighton (tmbs); Ali Gray, Stephen Jack, Gus Cassie, Jack Westwell, James Paul (rhythm); Anna Kaye, Rushee Morton, Anna McLuckie (vcl group).
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