Skye Jazz – a weekend of great music on the Isle of Skye, from 11-12 November, 2005.

There is an explosion of interest in jazz on the Isle of Skye, with several jazz players, and a local jazz group, living on the Island. Skye Jazz brings these together with some great visiting artists.

Gina Rae, from the Rae dynasty of musicians, is a very rare and enigmatic singer whose interpretations of standard and contemporary songs place her at the forefront of today’s singers. Her partner for the opening of Skye Jazz is Sandy Wright, an amazing songwriter and guitarist and renowned accompanist. Sandy has been seen recently on Scottish TV, presenting the series ‘Gold fever’ which is nominated for a Bafta award.

The night’s guests include Ryan Quigley, now establisehd as Scotland’s premier jazz trumpet player – evidenced by the fact that he is soon leaving to join the legendary ‘Maynard Ferguson Big Band’ in America. He is joined by Mario Caribe, the Edinburgh-based Brazilian bassist and freqent visitor to Skye and Rick Taylor, Skye Jazz’s musical Director.

As if one is needed with this wealth of talent, the opening sets come from the Skye Jazz Band led by Andy Petrie of Portree.

The second night is kicked off by the ‘Ness Rhythym Kings’, stalwarts of the Inverness jazz scene where they have maintained a residency for many years. This is a rare, if not their first, visit west. Headlining the night is a world premier performance from the ‘Musicians of the Warrior Poets in Exile’. This new collective includes Martin Green on accordion - an acknowledged virtuoso and composer, and Christine Hanson, cello, who since arriving in Scotland three years ago, has put the cello back into the forefront of Scots traditional and jazz music. They are joined by Kevin Murray, on guitar and mandolin, a jazz player, composer and mainstay of the 90s explosion in Scottish jazz – a rare treat is in store with his presence. Rick Taylor on tromboine and vocals is a musician who from his earliest days as a player has remained steadfast in his belief that jazz and improvisation is the central issue in music making. Rick lives on Skye and has just returned from touring with the ‘Unusual Suspects’.

All musicians are here for both nights, so inevitably each evening will continue until late with a mammoth session of jazz improvisation and collective playing.

Skye Jazz

8pm Friday 11 November in Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, near Armadale, Isle of Skye

7.30pm Saturday 12 November in The Stables, Armadale, Isle of Skye

Tickets £9 for each concert (£15 for both) with discounts for students and children.

Available at the door or from the SEALL ticket office 01471 844207 or email requests to info@seall.co.uk  


Skye Jazz is one of the three festivals organised by SEALL, one of Scotland’s liveliest voluntarily-run promoting groups. SEALL is recognised as a charity in Scotland and funded by the Scottish Arts Council and Highland Council.