Spartacus Records | 2011
Tommy Smith "Karma"
Hailed on arrival by critics as the toughest and most creative group of his career, Tommy Smith’s KARMA sees the brilliant Scottish saxophonist lead a band of virtuosic musicians on a deeply grooving acid jazz adventure that draws on influences from around the world.
featuring Tommy Smith (saxes, shakuhatchi, synth), Kevin Glasgow (electric bass), Steve Hamilton (piano, synth), Alyn Cosker (drums)
- Cause And Effect
- Land Of Heroes
- Good Deed
- Body And Soul
- Tomorrow
- Karma
- Star
- Projection
- Sun
- Who Are You
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Comprising Smith on tenor and soprano saxophones and Shakuhachi flute, mega-talented pianist and keyboardist Steve Hamilton, six string bass guitar sensation Kevin Glasgow and jet-powered drummer Alyn Cosker, KARMA presents music of gobsmacking energy and superb inventiveness. Writing for these musicians has given Smith a new edge. KARMA’S ten brand new compositions, while acknowledging past masters including Weather Report and Jan Garbarek, drive forward concisely and urgently into the urban club culture of the current age with occasional pauses in a chill-out zone that evokes Smith’s native Scottish landscapes, Japanese meditation rites, Indian rhythms, Arabic tones and Irish sentimentality.
Saw Tommy and the boys at the An Tobar on Mull and they performed all of Karma. Blown sideways by the amazing musicianship and incredible bond they have as a band. These guys are world class and beyond. Miss at your peril .
I’ve never stated that Star was original. On the KARMA CD is states clearly that it is based on Star Of the County Down.
Fresh, exciting and original are my reactions as well – to this marvellous CD.
Fresh, exciting and original. Saw Tommy and co on Saturday in Liverpool and we were just blown away!
Last time I listened to Tommy Smith was at the time of Sound of Love; just caught an electrifying track from KARMA on Jazz FM National and must, must hear more! A treat for your ears.
Hi aye Tommy
Now I can remember you as a young sparkle genius of a lad on BBC TV Scotland before you went off to the States to learn the brainy jazz that becomes you. But in 1985 I saw you join in a trad jazz session at the Preservation Hall of a Saturday afternoon and it was a joy. I can understand that things have grown up for you and that is a joy; Just like to say hello now and say I’m looking forward to some Karma