Preview - June 1995 - by Kenny Mathieson

Sound paintings

Saxophonist Bobby Wellins is the second Scottish composer-in-residence at the festival (for trivia fans, Tommy Smith in 1993 was the first). His composition "Images of Scotland' will be played by a Scottish All-Stars band and SYJO, but this kind of writing is not new for him.

He was the saxophonist on Stan Tracey's celebrated Under Milk Wood thirty years ago, and his own works include extended pieces like Birds of Brazil or Culloden Moor.

Wellins established himself on the 60s London scene, but his career was eclipsed for almost a decade by personal problems. He re-emerged in the mid-70s with his own quartet, and a highly-regarded five-piece with Don Weller, while last year's "Nomad' album found him playing as well as ever.

"Fluid improvisation is all about playing regularly. There is an abundance of talent and spirit in this country, but they lack places to play. I'd also like to see a lot more interaction with people from other areas of the arts, which is something I'm very interested in. "

McEwans Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow Friday 7 June 1995, 7.30pm.

(c) Kenny Mathieson