Collaborating with musicians such as Evan Parker, David Byrne, Jim O'Rourke, Damo Suzuki and Marilyn Crispell, saxophonist Raymond MacDonald has released over 60 CDs and toured and broadcast worldwide. Tonight he brings together a genre busting line up of virtuoso performers, each one a musical superhero in their own right, to present work inspired by Muriel Spark, one of Scotland’s most celebrated writers. The music is infused with all the drama, pathos and unexpected twists and turns that Spark was famous for. Taking Spark’s novels, themes and characters as starting points, and exploring them in new compositions, including graphic scores and text based pieces, the music draws the listener into intimate and endlessly engaging spaces. Breezy melodies move into freewheeling collective improvisations with live visuals and electronics provided by Jules Rawlinson. The group includes remarkable trumpeter Noel Langley, who collaborators include Stevie Wonder, Burt Bacharach and Belle and Sebastian. He and MacDonald first played together when they were featured soloists with the BBC Concert Orchestra in 2017. Also paying is thrilling soprano vocalist composer Clíona Cassidy "one of the most intense performances you could hope for” ​(The Times) and Emma Smith, an extraordinary bassist who toured the world with Gorillaz and produces the acclaimed Bitches Brew, an international showcase for female improvisers and composers. Stuart Brown, Graeme Wilson and Gerry Rossi, constantly enquiring charismatic musicians, who have build up an almost telepathic musical understanding having worked together for over 20 years, make up this all star band. Tonight they will showcase thrilling and expansive music that can move from tear-jerkingly fragile to joyous and celebratory in a heart beat.

“Mighty and glorious. Music this articulate is rare in any style of music" Jazz Wise 

“Exhilarating music. it eliminates the boundaries not just between composition and improvisation but between cultures and idioms.” Sydney Morning Herald

Stuart Brown – drums Clíona Cassidy – voice Noel Langley - trumpet Raymond MacDonald – saxophones Jules Rawlinson – electronics and graphics Gerry Rossi – keyboards Emma Smith – bass Graeme Wilson – saxophone

Photo by Mhairi Muir