| 16 July 2010
TOMMY SMITHWhat is the best advice you have ever been given?
When I was 18 years old Gary Burton told me to keep my own publishing rights, not to sell them to Blue Note or EMI. That decision worked out very well. Chick Corea told me to breathe before I go out on stage and don’t fear the butterflies.
Do you have advice for any new performer coming to the Festival for the first time?
Gorgeous Edinburgh is my beautiful home and one of my favourite cities in the world to perform in and visit. It’s got a wealth of history, tradition and, during the summer, the world’s greatest artists, but very few parking spaces. My advice is ditch the car and walk; keeping your petite umbrella to hand to avoid getting sunburnt.
What are you looking forward to at the festival this year?
Obviously, I’m looking forward to working with Joe Lovano and Gunther Schuller again, but more than that, I believe the musicians in the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra will have a fantastic time playing in the Usher Hall. It’s a first for us, and we can’t wait to see our audience and play for them. I’m also looking forward to taking some time out to watch some of the other great acts at the Edinburgh International Festival.
Your best memory from a previous festival?
My best memory is seeing Le Sacre Du Printemps with the RSNO at the Usher Hall – an unbelievable work and performance.
Scottish National Jazz Orchestra,Usher Hall, 26 August, 8pm. From £8, Tel: 0131 473 2000
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