DUKE Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis are just some of the great names in jazz which the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra will pay tribute to as they travel the Highlands and Islands for their 10th anniversary tour.

The orchestra, directed by leading Scottish saxophonist Tommy Smith, was established in 2002 to offer the big band experience to young players and as a stepping-stone to playing with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra.

The TSYJO musicians all live or study in Scotland and the orchestra has received critical acclaim both at home and abroad.

The orchestra was invited to take part in the Essentially Ellington Day at the Barbican in London with Wynton Marsalis and includes all six winners of the Young Jazz Musician of the year in its ranks.

In addition to concerts, Tommy Smith will take workshops into the local schools, ably helped by some of the musicians.

All concerts will also be recorded with the aim of producing an anniversary album for release later this year.

Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra Highlands and Islands Tour

MacPhail Centre, Ullapool, Thursday 13th September 7:30pm.

Tickets: 01854 613336 macphailcentre@hotmail.co.uk

An Lanntair, Stornoway, Friday 14th September 8:00pm.

Box Office 01851 708480 www.lanntair.com

Lyth Arts Centre, Wick, Saturday 15th September 8pm.

Box Office 01955 641434 www.lytharts.org.uk

with the Caithness Big Band

Seall at Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Skye, Sunday 16th September 7:30pm.

Box Office: 01471 844207 www.seall.co.uk

Plockton High School, Plockton, Monday 17th September 7.30pm

Tickets: available on door