Spartacus | 2002
featuring Tommy Smith (tenor & soprano saxes, synth, samples & percussion), Edwin Morgan (poetry), Kenny Barron (piano), James Genus (bass), Clarence Penn (drums), Groven Myhren (soprano vocal), Steve Hamilton (synth & computers samples), Aidan O’Donnell (bass), John Blease (drums, gongs & pionciana pod)
- Ally The Wallygator
- Into Silence
- Wolf
- Mercury
- Twin Towers
- Robert Burns
- Over The Rainbow
- In The Cave
- Folk Song
- In The Beginning
- Loch Ness Monster Song
- The Ring Of Brodgar
- Cumiaichean
- Jazz Hop
- From The Video Box 25
About the Music
Funky Notes ‘Online Magazine’ — It is courting controversy to state that Smith is best known as leader of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and firmly sewn in to a Basie-esqe straitjacket but many a commentator has made that allegation in the past. This album, however, firmly dispels the rumour and portrays the saxophonist as his own man. Much of the content emphasises Smith’s Scottish heritage and background with titles such as Robert Burns and the Loch Ness Monster Song. Indeed, this amazing blend of music and poetry owns much to the Bard. Internationalism is not forsaken, though, with the emotive Twin Towers giving a profound poignancy to the collection. Recorded in New York, Norway and Scotland over a two year period, this album is a true “must” for every thinking jazz collector. We may never see its likes again!
