Clark Tracey Quintet

About

Clark has been at the forefront of British jazz for over 40 years, since joining his distinguished father Stan Tracey's bands in 1978 when he was only 17 years old. He has recorded over 100 albums and has been awarded "Best Drums" title six times in the British Jazz Awards (most recently in 2018) and Ronnie Scott's Award for "Best Drums" in 2007.

Clark has led numerous groups since the early 1980s – showcasing the considerable talents of young musicians, giving them a platform to explore their own compositions, and allowing them to perform to a much wider audience.

His current quintet not only includes bassist James Owston, a finalist in the 2018 BBC Young Jazz Musician finals; saxophonist and flautist Alex Clarke, who was named Rising Star in the following year's British Jazz Awards; but also the comparatively senior figure of Graham Harvey on piano, who, after studying music in Denver, Colorado, has worked with a who's who of top musicians on the UK jazz and pop scene. But the newest arrival, and the focus of this album, is the prodigiously talented young singer, Emily Masser. Emily is a singer with a wonderful future ahead, her sympathy for and talent in interpreting the standard song repertoire makes it a delight to 'stay old-fashioned with her'. Alyn Shipton, Presenter of Jazz Record Requests on BBC Radio 3

Line up:

Clark Tracey – Drums

Alex Clarke – Reeds

Emily Masser – Vocals

Graham Harvey – Piano

James Owston – Bass