The acclaimed Scottish saxophonist Tommy Smith recorded 'Evolution' with an all-star line-up of U.S. and British musicians in New York City over two days in April 2003. Inspired by a set of six poems by Edwin Morgan, whose previous collaborations with Smith include the saxophonist's widely acclaimed Beasts of Scotland commission for Glasgow International Jazz Festival 1996, the suite was composed specifically with the Sextet line-up in mind and was designed to highlight each musician's musical personality. The sextet features leading tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano who's worked with Woody Herman, Charlie Haden and drummer Paul Motian; John Scofield, one of the world's top jazz guitarists; Manchester-born keyboardist John Taylor who has worked with Kenny Wheeler, John Surman and Peter Erskine, with many recordings for ECM; top bassist John Patitucci who's worked with Chick Corea and Wayne Shorter and whose speed, tone and versatility have gained him much acclaim; and drummer Bill Stewart who was with Scofield's own band for five years and who's also played with Joe Lovano and trumpeter Eddie Henderson. Personnel: Tommy Smith (saxophones), Joe Lovano (tenor saxophone), John Scofield (guitar), John Taylor (piano), John Patitucci (bass), Bill Stewart (drums)
