Search - Tommy Smith :: Beasts of Scotland

A Musical Zoo

High Y | Charleston, SC United States | 01/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is an underappreciated masterpiece. Yes, it is a jazz concept album, with each song named for a beast, but the manner in which the instruments and compositions reflect these animals is astounding. Take, for instance, the howling saxophones on "Wolf," or the eery chromatic lows of the sax line in "Conger Eel"... incredible! The songs are very well structured, with cleverly arranged and tightly executed passages interspersed just the right amount of improv time. Just as you would at any good zoo, you'll feel it all here-- mystification from the "Salmon" and "Seal," energetic flight from the "Golden Eagle," terror from the "Conger Eel" and "Spider." In fact, it is just like a musical journey to a fascionating zoo... and it's well worth the trip. It puzzles me why so few people are aware of this impressive album. The writing, playing, and recording are all top notch."