SNJO & Emma Rawicz Honor Coltrane\'s Centenary
The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra's Coltrane centenary celebration brought together new arrangements, choral moments, and guest saxophonist Emma Rawicz in a powerful Edinburgh jazz concert honoring 100 years of John Coltrane's enduring legacy.
A Jazz Orchestra Reimagines Coltrane's Legacy
The SNJO commissioned fresh arrangements spanning Coltrane's entire recording career, from his earliest sessions to his final compositions before his death at 40. Saxophones naturally led the charge, but the full orchestra was deployed to thrilling effect throughout the evening. The rhythm section was positioned front of stage, mirroring the intimacy of Coltrane's classic quartet format while allowing the orchestra's full weight to land with maximum impact.
Emma Rawicz Makes Her Scottish Jazz Debut
For saxophonist Emma Rawicz, this Edinburgh concert marked both her first appearance in Scotland and her debut with the SNJO. Her chemistry with the orchestra's reed section was immediate and genuine, whether trading phrases during Lush Life — which she also arranged and conducted — or duetting with Harben Kay in Iain Ballamy's suite The Skye Chanter. Her soprano work on the closing My Favourite Things was a concert highlight, drawing on the soul of Coltrane's own live recordings.
Chant, Voice, and Emotion at the Heart of the Concert
Some of the most affecting jazz moments came through the human voice. Joe Wright's original composition featured audio samples of Coltrane speaking, while Harben Kay's arrangement of Equinox led the full orchestra in chanting 'may there be peace love and affection.' Ballamy's suite had the ensemble chanting 'John Coltrane' in tribute to the late Rick Taylor, echoing the spiritual intensity of A Love Supreme. These moments elevated the concert beyond a standard tribute into something genuinely moving.
Key Takeaways
The SNJO's Coltrane centenary concert was a masterclass in honoring jazz history while pushing it forward. With Emma Rawicz's expressive soloing, bold new compositions, and deeply felt orchestral arrangements, Edinburgh witnessed a celebration worthy of one of jazz's greatest voices.
Author: Sebastian Scotney
Source: UK Jazz News
Published: September 21, 2026
