The Count and the Duke: Basie and Ellington @ Edinburgh Usher Hall

As a complete newcomer among a jazz lovers audience at the Usher Hall on Thursday the 6^th of December 2018, I entered the music venue somewhat full of anticipation, excitement and curiosity. Anticipating the sheer enormity of a Basie and Ellington celebration, excitement at the atmosphere and a simple curiosity – what would the performance bring in terms of sound, ambience and visual entertainment?

The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra delivered something very special indeed, even for an inexperienced jazz listener and observer, it was clear that the music was creating a connection with the audience. The director, Tommy Smith introduced and held the concert together by explaining the program, songs and historical content. For anyone not familiar with Basie and Ellington this narration of the event is a crucial element. What struck me quite instantly was that the music was not to be listened to – but actually felt. Felt on various levels; the flow, the rhythm and the volume.

The first part of the concert presents us with Black, Brown and Beige and it is a treat to the ears, revealing a musical sequential story with a brief summary of the how this strongly relates to the ‘American Negro’ going through various conditions including slavery. Now, today, after a reforming of the piece with vocalist Mahalia Jackson, re-releases and favourable opinion have contributed to it becoming the very special and important piece of music for which it has become known.

During ‘Brown’ we have the ultimate pleasure of hearing Anoushka Nanguy in all her glory – her vocal talent undeniable but even more is the depth of what she is conveying to the audience. ‘Blues Theme Mauve’ joins the audience on another level. There are raw, authentic and layered components to the singers overall allure. Her short presence enriches the musicians entrancing sound.

If the first part is variable in terms of mellowness and strong imposing sounds with delicate and precise interchangeable instrumental bliss, then the second part – Atomic Mr Basie, provides the audience with a monumental impact which compliments and completes the first part. Pieces include Midnite blue and Lil’ Darlin’.

The Orchestra consist of Reeds, trumpets, trombones, piano and the rhythm: drums, bass and guitar. The director leaves no member of the Orchestra without recognition or applause and informs us of his origins and reasons for his rather varying accent. He is by definition Scottish through and through. The way in which he gages the spectators of this wonderful group of highly talented performers exudes a human touch combined with a spontaneous humour and affection to his audience and co-musicians.

As I listened with curiosity I was witness to a toe tapping crowd of people who were clearly enjoying the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra’s show – it felt elegant, classy, profoundly stirring and something else – a reflective and significant journey of historically interpreted creativity in every sense of the word. Jazz was something new for me and it opened a door and offered a few hours of novelty for me – a novelty which is the beginning of something very inspiring and grounding.