Jazz players take fans back in time

Jun 5 2009 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE SCOTTISH National Jazz Orchestra took Perth fans of 70s’ American icons Steely Dan back in time during a nostalgia-filled set in Perth Theatre.

Led by experienced multi-instrumentalist and orchestra director Tommy Smith, tracks from hit albums such as “Black Friday” and “Pretzel Logic” were given a big-band twist.

And the talent of the 17 musicians packed tightly onto the Perth Theatre stage – particularly guest guitarist Graeme Scott – was never in question.

Each was given the opportunity to express themselves during sometimes lengthy solos which, in the case Konrad Wiszniewski’s tenor sax, led to a rapturous response.

Some Steely Dan enthusiasts had a slight grumble during the interval as a select few of the protagonists could be seen scratching chins, picking noses and looking to the heavens when not showcasing their skills.

Several of the more mature audience members, perhaps due to the glorious summer’s weather earlier in the day, visibly began to wilt as the marathon set drew to a conclusion.

But this should take nothing away from the spectacle of seeing a group of highly-skilled individuals at the peak of their powers.