Jazz
by Stuart Brown
November 2002

The jazz scene in Scotland has seen a rapid growth in the last few years. There seems to be a revived interest in live music in general, and as a result a number of new venues have opened, dedicated to putting on live jazz.

In addition we have seen the formation of Caber Music, a new record label established by drummer Tom Bancroft, using National Lottery funding. His objective in creating the label was to "record all the great jazz and improvised music going on in Scotland". Since its' beginnings in 1998, a lot of great music has been produced on this label, and a number of interesting projects and collaborations have come about that might not otherwise have happened. See www.cabermusic.com for more information.

A lot of new talented young players are now emerging and some interesting fusions have occurred in recent years. These have included meetings of jazz and electronic dance music (in groups such as Swirler, Green Juice and Rarefaction [www.rarefaction.fsnet.co.uk/), as well as the coming together of traditional Scottish music and jazz in bands such as John Rae's Celtic feet, and in Kevin Mackenzie's recent work, commissioned by the Scottish Arts Council.

There are two main annual Jazz festivals in Scotland, the Glasgow International Jazz festival in July (http://www.jazzfest.co.uk/) and the Edinburgh Jazz Festival in August (http://www.jazzmusic.co.uk/). There are also a number of smaller festivals throughout the year, including Islay, Bute, Leith and others.

It should also be noted that Scotland has its own National Jazz Orchestra, led by internationally-renowned saxophonist, Tommy Smith. This group performs regularly throughout the year, performing a mix of standard repertoire and new commissions from both Scottish and international composers.

Here are links to some jazz venues, promoters and festivals, which will give a broader overview of the Scottish scene, along with details on individual artists:

www.bridgejazzbar.com
(Edinburgh Jazz venue)

www.cca-glasgow.com
(Centre for Contemporary Arts, Glasgow. Arts and live music venue, home to the recently formed Glasgow Improvisers' Orchestra)

http://www.jazzmusic.co.uk/
(Assembly Direct jazz promotions with links to artists, venues, listings, and Edinburgh Jazz Festival)

http://www.jazz-in-scotland.co.uk
(General information site on the Scottish jazz scene with lots of links)