This weekend (Friday 8  and Saturday 9 October)  the Isle of Skye will create the sort of Jazz buzz associated with Islay and Bute. The return of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Tommy Smith has been the inspiration for two other events. If successful, and judging by the sell-out concert the last time the SNJO were in Skye, this will launch a full-blown Jazz Festival next year.

The weekend starts with a Jazz Quintet Buffet on Friday night in the acoustically brilliant venue of the Stables Restaurant at the Armadale Visitor Centre in south Skye. The Quintet features Ryan Quigley on Trumpet and Flugelhorn; Mario Caribe on Bass; Iain Copeland, drums; Paul Harrison, Piano, and Rick Taylor, Trombone, who now lives nearby and who is the Weekend’s Artistic Director.

The evening starts with some jazz classics and after a food and drink break the music continues with some more recent work composed by the performers.

The main concert with the full Jazz Orchestra is on Saturday 9 October at 7.30pm in the stunning venue of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic College.

Tommy Smith, Scotland’s great saxophone player leads the SNJO in a tribute to Thelonious Monk. Monk is a giant of modern American music, and an architect of bebop. His compositions such as 'Round Midnight', 'Brilliant Corners' and 'Straight No Chaser' were the canvasses over which Monk, Parker and Gillespie expressed their musical ideas.

The Orchestra itself features many great Scottish names: Martin Kershaw; Paul Towndrow; Tommy Smith; Theo Forrest; Allon Beauvoisin; Ryan Quigley; Tom MacNiven; Linsey McDonald; Phil Cardwell; Phil O'Malley; Scott Annison ; Lorna McDonald ; Steve Hamilton; Mario Caribe; Alan Cosker.

After this, ‘The Late Session’ will continue into the small hours. There will be a full rhythm section, a load of soloists and opportunities for players from the floor.

‘SEALL’ is the arts promoting group based in south Skye. Run voluntarily but to professional standards, SEALL organises the Skye Festival/Fèis an Eilein, an Annual Programme of 25 events  and a World Music Weekend in Easter 2005.

For more information contact Duncan MacInnes on 01471 844207.