Tommy Smith/Brian Kellock

Tommy Smith/Brian Kellock: Whispering of the Stars

by Dan McClenaghan
June 30, 2014

Tommy Smith is known best for his directorship of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. The group has emerged as one of the finest of big bands with offerings like the classic In the Spirit of Duke (Spartacus records, 2013), a tribute to Duke Ellington, Rhapsody In Blue (Spartacus Records, 2006), an extended and stunning remake of George Gershwin's classic tune, and the inspired backing of Norwegian bassist Arild Andersen on the 2012 ECM Records release, Celebration. But Smith is also ...