Directed by Tommy Smith with special guest Arild Andersen the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra celebrate the music of ECM later this month with a raft of dates. The concerts celebrate the ECM label with the SNJO, comprising Martin Kershaw, Paul Towndrow, Tommy Smith, Konrad Wizsniewski, Bill Fleming, Ryan Quigley, Cameron Jay, Richard Iles, Tom MacNiven, Chris Greive, Phil O'Malley, Michael Owers, Lorna McDonald, Steve Hamilton, Calum Gourlay and Alyn Cosker, joined by the influential Norwegian bassist.

Andersen who turns 65 later this month made his name with the Jan Garbarek Quartet in the 1960s and 70s. As a leader recording for ECM his albums Clouds In My Head, Shimri and Green Shading Into Blue, recorded between 1975 and 1978, were reissued by the Munich label earlier this year.

Andersen’s connection with Tommy Smith goes back some time and manifested itself most notably on the critically acclaimed album Live In Belleville, recorded live in Oslo with Smith joining Andersen and Italian drummer Paolo Vinaccia on a notably spiritual, free blowing set. Andersen has also recently toured widely with Andy Sheppard’s Movements In Colour quintet within the last two years following Sheppard’s debut as a leader for ECM.

The Celebrating ECM dates are: Byre Theatre, St Andrews (14 October); Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh (15); RSAMD, Glasgow (16); and MacRobert, Stirling (17). Following this series, the SNJO are to perform Rhapsody In Blue during the London Jazz Festival next month with gigs at Artsdepot in North Finchley on 14 November; in a double bill with the John Scofield Trio at the Queen Elizabeth Hall (15); the Blackheath Concert Halls (playing Rhapsody in Blue) with support from the Trinity Jazz Ensemble (16); and in a double bill with the Gary Burton Quartet, at the QEH (17).

– Stephen Graham

For more on the concerts and upcoming SNJO concerts go to www.snjo.co.uk