SCOTTISH NATIONAL JAZZ ORCHESTRA - Peter & The Wolf
Spartacus STS027
Peter & The Wolf by Serge Prokofieff
Arranged & Orchestrated by Tommy Smith
Conductor - Tommy Smith
Narrator - Tam Dean Burn
Piano - Makoto Ozone
Text Adapted by Liz Lochhead
Flute - Yvonne Robertson; Saxophones - Martin Kershaw, Paul Towndrow, Konrad Wiszniewski, Bill Fleming; Trumpets - James Davison, Sean Gibbs, Tom MacNiven, Lorne Cowieson; Trombones - Chris Greive, Liam Shortall, Michael Owers; Bass - Calum Gourley; Drums - Alyn Cosker
Recorded live on 24th February, 2018 at Queens Hall, Edinburgh
This is quite simply an astonishing piece of work, and a credit to all concerned. A jazz interpretation of Peter & The Wolf performed by a big band is probably not foremost in anyone's mind as an obvious choice for the making of first rate album, but SNJO director Tommy Smith, is not just anyone and it is with his imagination and musical insight that has brought this fascinating project to fruition.
Smith has taken Serge Prokofieff's original 30 minute score and re-arranged it into a 64 minute piece that turns the familiar tale into an epic tale of adventure both in words and music. Commissioning leading Scottish poet, Liz Lochhead to adapt the text to the Scots vernacular, which is spoken by the majority of native Scots and which should not be confused with Scottish Gaelic or English, but as a language in its own right. In doing so, Lochhead has transformed the story without detracting in any way from the original and yet making it sound utterly contemporary and a joy to listen to. Smith's choice of poet in once uncannily spot on, and if further proof be needed one should immediately check out Three Scottish Poets published by Cannongate Books, Edinburgh that brings together works by Lochhead along with Norman MacCaig and Edwin Morgan with whom Smith has also collaborated with on projects such as Misty Morning & No Time (MacCaig) and Beasts Of Scotland and Planet Wave (excerpts of the latter which can be heard on Alone At Last) with Morgan.
Using the wonderful text provided by Lochhead, Smith has orchestrated the score for a conventional big band using the ever resourceful pianist Makoto Ozone (and SNJO regular guest) to take on the somewhat playful role of Peter. Tom MacNiven's muted trumpet makes a delightful duck, as does the baritone sax and double bass taking up the role of grandfather; with Yvonne Robertson's flute and the clarinet of Martin Kershaw utterly convincing as bird and cat respectively.
The orchestral arrangements are magnificently brought to life by the SNJO who swing mightily at every given opportunity, and serve to colour the text with no little panache and drama. The drama is heightened further (if that was possible) by the reading of the text by actor, Tam Dean Burn, whose passion for storytelling shines through in abundance. Dean is totally believable in his performance, bring the listener or audience to the edge of their seats and hanging on his every word. This extraordinary work is made all the more impressive by the fact this impeccable recording was made live in concert in one long single performance/take. Not only flawless in execution, but sustaining an energy level that is almost palpable.
From this classical work and fable by Prokofieff, Tommy Smith and the SNJO have produced an album that initially may appear to have a limited shelf life, in as much as once the story has been heard and assimilated there is little need for frequent subsequent hearings, however nothing could be further from the truth. I have listened to this album numerous times, and with each listening a smile crosses my face or l find myself laughing out loud as the tale unfolds, and once again marvel at the power of the spoken word when accompanied by such dramatic and satisfying music.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Spartacus STS027
Peter & The Wolf by Serge Prokofieff
Arranged & Orchestrated by Tommy Smith
Conductor - Tommy Smith
Narrator - Tam Dean Burn
Piano - Makoto Ozone
Text Adapted by Liz Lochhead
Flute - Yvonne Robertson; Saxophones - Martin Kershaw, Paul Towndrow, Konrad Wiszniewski, Bill Fleming; Trumpets - James Davison, Sean Gibbs, Tom MacNiven, Lorne Cowieson; Trombones - Chris Greive, Liam Shortall, Michael Owers; Bass - Calum Gourley; Drums - Alyn Cosker
Recorded live on 24th February, 2018 at Queens Hall, Edinburgh
This is quite simply an astonishing piece of work, and a credit to all concerned. A jazz interpretation of Peter & The Wolf performed by a big band is probably not foremost in anyone's mind as an obvious choice for the making of first rate album, but SNJO director Tommy Smith, is not just anyone and it is with his imagination and musical insight that has brought this fascinating project to fruition.
Smith has taken Serge Prokofieff's original 30 minute score and re-arranged it into a 64 minute piece that turns the familiar tale into an epic tale of adventure both in words and music. Commissioning leading Scottish poet, Liz Lochhead to adapt the text to the Scots vernacular, which is spoken by the majority of native Scots and which should not be confused with Scottish Gaelic or English, but as a language in its own right. In doing so, Lochhead has transformed the story without detracting in any way from the original and yet making it sound utterly contemporary and a joy to listen to. Smith's choice of poet in once uncannily spot on, and if further proof be needed one should immediately check out Three Scottish Poets published by Cannongate Books, Edinburgh that brings together works by Lochhead along with Norman MacCaig and Edwin Morgan with whom Smith has also collaborated with on projects such as Misty Morning & No Time (MacCaig) and Beasts Of Scotland and Planet Wave (excerpts of the latter which can be heard on Alone At Last) with Morgan.
Using the wonderful text provided by Lochhead, Smith has orchestrated the score for a conventional big band using the ever resourceful pianist Makoto Ozone (and SNJO regular guest) to take on the somewhat playful role of Peter. Tom MacNiven's muted trumpet makes a delightful duck, as does the baritone sax and double bass taking up the role of grandfather; with Yvonne Robertson's flute and the clarinet of Martin Kershaw utterly convincing as bird and cat respectively.
The orchestral arrangements are magnificently brought to life by the SNJO who swing mightily at every given opportunity, and serve to colour the text with no little panache and drama. The drama is heightened further (if that was possible) by the reading of the text by actor, Tam Dean Burn, whose passion for storytelling shines through in abundance. Dean is totally believable in his performance, bring the listener or audience to the edge of their seats and hanging on his every word. This extraordinary work is made all the more impressive by the fact this impeccable recording was made live in concert in one long single performance/take. Not only flawless in execution, but sustaining an energy level that is almost palpable.
From this classical work and fable by Prokofieff, Tommy Smith and the SNJO have produced an album that initially may appear to have a limited shelf life, in as much as once the story has been heard and assimilated there is little need for frequent subsequent hearings, however nothing could be further from the truth. I have listened to this album numerous times, and with each listening a smile crosses my face or l find myself laughing out loud as the tale unfolds, and once again marvel at the power of the spoken word when accompanied by such dramatic and satisfying music.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
