GROUPS
currently on the go under my own name are the following groups:
Clark Tracey Quintet - I've recently formed this latest line up composed of outstanding young musicians, still in their early Twenties. They include Henry Armburg Jennings (Trumpet), Chris Maddock (Alto), Reuben James (Piano), Dan Casimir (Bass).
Clark Tracey Trio - This is the trio which recorded "British Standard Time" (sold out but now available as a download from GiveMeJazz), a selection of compositions penned in the UK, some personal favourites as well as tunes that have become more established.
Clark Tracey Quartet - The same format as above but with the addition of Australian tenor saxophonist Brandon Allen. We recorded "Given Time", which is available from TenToTenRecords).
Tribute To Art Blakey - A group I started soon after Blakey's death and featuring an all star line up of Guy Barker, Jean Toussaint, Alan Barnes, Steve Melling & Arnie Somogyi.
Steve Melling/Clark Tracey Special Septet - Our debut CD came out in 2011 and we're looking forward to performing this mostly original material as often as possible.
RECORDINGS
Currently in the pipeline is a recording with the Simon Spillett Quartet, Simon Spillett (Saxes), John Critchinson (Piano), Alec Dankworth (Bass), Clark Tracey (Drums), due to be released on CD and vinyl in February 2013. Also Stan Tracey is back in the studio at the end of January 2013 to record a new suite, dedicated to his father. The line up of the group is Stan Tracey (Piano), Mark Armstrong (Trumpet), Simon Allen - (Saxes), Andrew Cleyndert (Bass), Clark Tracey (Drums).
HERTS JAZZ
Herts Jazz Club, which I took over in May 2010, is still going strong at Campus West in Welwyn Garden City. I never imagined I'd promote music as well but with the support of a small but sturdy team we're pushing ahead each week. The numbers are growing and we've received support from the Arts Council of England and the PRS Foundation in our venture. Have a look at hertsjazz.co.uk Our second festival in 2012 was a great success and we are planning for our next festival in September 2013 already.
DRUM BOOK
I was invited to write a book for Schott Publishing in 2011 as part of their series on jazz instruments. Entitled "Exploring Jazz Drums", it has now been released and is available from Schott here. There is a playalong CD and written examples of the background to jazz drumming as well as exercises and tips, plus a DVD of brush techniques. A formidable task but a mostly enjoyable challenge and now in use by many of my students.
EDUCATION
I took on the role of visiting drum tutor at Birmingham Conservatoire of Music in 2011 and I'm having a great time teaching some young and talented jazz drummers. I teach privately as well and will give you my current rates if you contact me. I am also available for ensemble training from trio to big band and have given many workshops at home and abroad. If you are a drum student (of any standard) and have a query about any aspect of jazz drumming, I am always very happy to reply if you
use this link to mail me.