Hold on to your hats! This September, the SNJO welcomes U.S. tenor and soprano saxophonist Bill Evans for ‘American Journey’, an exciting road-trip through the heart and soul of American music. Come along for the ride as we map a multitude of musical byways including, funk, bop, blues, soul, bluegrass, folk and rock, firmly guided by a solid, reliable jazz compass.
Bill Evans is a Grammy-nominated saxophone star, a prolific composer and a very high-profile collaborator. His credentials include a lengthy stint with Miles Davis and recordings with Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin and the WDR Big Band. He has also previously guested with the SNJO for performances of Tommy Smith’s highly acclaimed Beauty and the Beast suite. This time around, he visits Scotland to share his musical vision of America with the SNJO, who have been widely praised in Europe, America and Japan for their warmth, originality, versatility and artistry.
American music is all about energy, diversity and the pioneer spirit. The SNJO and Bill Evans intend to customize those differences in turbo-charged jazz and fired-up improvisation. The sounds you will hear will be big, bold and profoundly modern, with familiar echoes from the past. It is music that enthusiastically encourages re-invention, yet remains respectful towards its traditional roots.
Imagine then that you are travelling through a big country, taking instant pictures of the musical landscape along the way. These snapshots will suggest every, style, genre and idiom of American music in tunes with titles that partly explain where you’ve been and where you’re going. Dixie Hop, Celtic Junction, Hobo and Eyes of a Child are indicative of what to expect, but they also signpost the limitless horizons of contemporary jazz.
The imagery that develops in the course of this concert series will be nothing less than stunning, whether you are a seasoned traveller or a cautious first-timer. The SNJO and their special guest Bill Evans invite you to join them on their whirlwind ‘American Journey’. It will be every bit as breath taking as it sounds.
Friday 27th September 2019
Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh EH8 9JG
Saturday 28th September 2019
Royal Concert Hall (New Auditorium), Glasgow G2 3NY
Sunday 29th September 2019
The Music Hall, Aberdeen AB10 1QS
NB: All concerts start at 7.30pm and feature a free pre-concert talk with Bill Evans at 6.50pm