28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
SNJO piano man brings all-star quartet to Edinburgh Jazzfest5
Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) pianist Peter Johnstone launches his International Organ Quartet's debut album, Resistance Is Futile, at Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival on Friday 11 July.
Featuring New York-based vibes virtuoso Joe Locke, saxophonist Tommy Smith and Johnstone's SNJO colleague, Alyn Cosker on drums, the quartet will play the opening concert in the EJ&BF's St Bride's Centre series from 6pm.
A former Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year, Johnstone has toured internationally with vocalist Kurt Elling and Vienna-based American saxophonist Andy Middleton and worked with guitarists Jim Mullen, Rob Luft and Nigel Price as well as appearing extensively as pianist with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. He is also Tommy Smith's partner in a duo that plays Meadowbank Church on Wednesday 16th July and is the first graduate of the jazz course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow to return in a teaching capacity.
The quartet, in which Johnstone plays Hammond organ, features music exclusively written by Johnstone. It recorded Resistance is Futile at Castlesound Studios in Pencaitland during its first set of concerts in October 2023. The St Bride's concert is part of a tour that includes the 606 Club in London.
'It's fantastic to hear such accomplished musicians as Joe, Tommy and Alyn bringing my music off the page,' says Johnstone. 'Our first tour included sell-out concerts in Glasgow and at Ronnie Scott's in London and attracted some great press comments. I can't wait to get everyone back together again for these dates in July.'
Pete Johnstone
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