Happy Reunions
This coming August is my 30th anniversary as a professional jazz musician and I've decided to celebrate it with 4 nights at London's Pizza Express. Each night will feature a different group I've led over that period.
25th is a reunion of my quintet from the Eighties with Guy Barker, Jamie Talbot, Steve Melling & Alec Dankworth;
26th is a reunion of my sextet with Nigel Hitchcock, Dave O'Higgins, Mark Nightingale, Steve Melling & Arnie Somogyi;
27th is a reunion of my last quintet with Simon Allen, Mark Armstrong, Zoe Rahman & Peter Billington;
28th is my latest sextet with Piers Green, Paul Jordanous, Lewis Wright, Kit Downes & Ryan Trebilcock.
Phone the Pizza Express for booking details: 08456 027017.
Stan Tracey Release
Due out in October, Stan has just recorded a new quartet album with Simon Allen (saxes), Andy Cleyndert (bass) and myself for Resteamed Records, as yet untitled. It's a collection of his compositions going from the Fifties up to the present and also includes his 'Grandad Suite' - never recorded in its entirety before.
Clark Tracey Quartet Release
Meanwhile, I've recently released volume 2 of the British Composers Series on Tentoten Records entitled 'Given Time (see also releases )'. It features Brandon Allen on tenor along with my regular trio of Gareth Williams and Arnie Somogyi. Dates are coming in for the group as far away as February 2009 at the Southport Festival.
Herman/Barker
Dutch altoist Benjamin Herman teams up with Guy Barker and Stan Tracey's Trio in October for some return dates at the Pizza Express plus a few dates around the country. Since his album 'The London Sessions' was recorded with us a few years ago, Benjamin has been a welcome visitor to the UK and, with Guy on board, this promises to be a sell-out tour.
CD Releases
Still awaiting the release of Joan Viskant's 'Madeleine Rooms' on 33 Records, recorded some time ago now. The post production has taken a little longer than anticipated!
Just recorded a new album for Zephyr Records with Warren Vache and Derek Watkins. A very laid back and productive session as ever with Mr Vache.
Education
I seem to be asked to do more and more teaching jobs these days and have decided to attach masterclass/workshops to performances wherever possible. I still teach privately and encourage you to get in touch with me, wherever you live, as it's possible to hook up on the day somewhere. I was recently involved in a commissioned project in a school in Shropshire, encouraging and supporting the kids there to compose jazz based on a set concept, along the lines of my Stiperstones Suite in the Eighties. This culminated in a reunion gig of my original band to perform it.
I've also quit my teaching job in Kingston now to concentrate more fully on the Herts Music Services projects which includes running small groups, big bands plus private tuition.
If you are learning drums and have a query about any aspect of drumming, I am happy to reply if you use use this link to mail me