Progress of Scottish jazz
I couldn't agree more with Roger Spence in his comments regarding jazz and Scottish creativity (Debate and Opinion, 16 July).
The development of jazz in Scotland has a history of over 80 years and is now beginning to show signs of breaking into international ranking. Mr Spence mentions a number of agencies that have supported jazz development in recent years including Scottish Arts Council and the educational establishment, but fails to mention his own significant contribution through Platform Jazz and Assembly Direct over 30 years or more. These were seminal influences in the performing circuit and should receive public recognition.
He also highlights a number of great performers – half of them are associated with the National Jazz Institute and Applied Music at Strathclyde University where Bobby Wishart and Tommy Smith were the leading exponents of a new creative education started in the 90s. That programme continues today under the strong leadership of Stewart Forbes and Gerry Rossi.
MARK SHERIDAN
East Princes Street
Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire
The full article contains 168 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
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Last Updated:
20 July 2008 8:34 PM
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Source:
The Scotsman
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Location:
Edinburgh
