Flight Pass is a bold new piano‑trio by Fergus McCreadie, commissioned by Chamber Music Scotland and Kings Place for the 2026 EFG London Jazz Festival. Known for his electrifying mix of jazz and Scottish folk, McCreadie now brings that sound into a fresh chamber setting bursting with colour and storytelling.

Fergus is a Mercury Prize‑shortlisted and widely acclaimed artist. Inspired by the landscapes and narratives at the heart of his musical world, Flight Pass marks an exciting evolution in his writing, extending his musical language into a new chamber setting while retaining the melodic clarity, rhythmic lift and storytelling that define his music.

Fergus writes:

“The title of this work comes from one of my favourite photographs, which features a black winged kite and two of his offspring fighting over some recently caught prey in the middle of the sky. I’ve always loved to watch birds in the sky, and I loved the contrast of conflict and kinship in this photograph. That pull gave me the right feeling for giving a title to this work, which pulls and pushes in different directions over its 4 movements.

Each movement flows at a different pace, and I leave it to the listener to imagine how the birds and sky might match the music as it grows over the duration.”

McCreadie’s music has long been celebrated for its powerful sense of place, praised by The Times as “a giddying fusion of Scottish culture and jazz history.”

“Grand soundscapes with a real emotional core” NME

Long walks with the family dog through the beauty of Scotland’s forests is the platform for a musician who aged around aged 12 had his first real pocket money to spend.   Google will tell you he would probably buy a toy of war or maybe a football shirt with his favourite players number on the back. Not this young man. He spent that precious money on an Oscar Peterson album.  He is a must see as part of the EFG London Festival. A gifted piano player leading his regular team of music makers.” Robbie Vincent, Jazz FM Recommends

Ashburton Arts Centre
Always three prices – please pay what you can. Pay less, come to more! See https://ashburtonarts.org.uk/access-booking-tickets-parking-finding-us/ for more about why there are three ticket prices, plus other useful info about coming to events at Ashburton Arts Centre.

Level access from street – please contact us on boxoffice@ashburtonarts.org.uk if a wheelchair space is needed, or if you have any other special requirements.