Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra
Established in June 2002, the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra. His work in jazz education began while working for Gary Burton in 1986 when the group had to present masterclasses to international students all over the world, this kind of work continued with his own groups until 1990 when he started teaching at Broughton High School in Edinburgh with John Rae, Brian Kellock and Kenny Ellis. In 1993 he began teaching improvisation at Napier University. In 1995 he created the curriculum for the National Jazz Institute in Glasgow which he directed until 1998. He has given masterclasses all over Europe, Americas and Asia. His students include Steve Hamilton, Stuart Gorman, Graeme Scott, Theo Forrest, Paul Booth, Konrad Wisznieski, Tom MacNiven, Allon Beauvoisin, Paul Towndrow, Fraser Campbell, Alan Benzie, Joe Wright, Peter Johnstone and Jo Fooks. In 2009 he became Artistic Director of a new conservatoire-level course in jazz at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow. The event was broadcated live by BBC News. The presentation lines were:
| " Is it really possible to teach someone how to play jazz? The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama is giving it a try, with internationally renowned saxophonist Tommy Smith leading Scotland's first full- time degree-level jazz course." |
All*About*Jazz critique John Kelman, in his review of Arild Andersen's live recorded release (2008) Live at Belleville, said about Smith:
| " Smith shines here as he does throughout the collection. He is a brilliant star-turn that almost steals the show. Despite a considerable catalog, Smith is among the under-recognized talents on the US jazz scene. Hopefully, Live at Belleville will correct that oversight." |
AllAboutJazz contributor Karl Ackermann, in his review of Arild Andersen's Live at Belleville, wrote:
| " As much as Live at Belleville is an accomplishment for Andersen, it is no less an achievement for Scottish saxophonist, Tommy Smith. ." |
Read more about this topic: Tommy Smith (saxophonist)
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“Tommy: Life is short.
Alice Hyatt: So are you.”
—Robert Getchell, U.S. screenwriter, and Martin Scorsese. Tommy (Alfred Lutter)
“Our Bog is dood, our Bog is dood,
They lisped in accents mild,
But when I asked them to explain
They grew a little wild.”
—Stevie Smith (1902–1971)
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“It seems to me monstrous that anyone should believe that the jazz rhythm expresses America. Jazz rhythm expresses the primitive savage.”
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—Denise Levertov (b. 1923)