Clark Tracey, a well-established jazz master, recognised as a most inventive jazz drummer, and, having appeared over many years with the world’s jazz greats, arrives with his new quintet of our best and youngest jazz musicians.

A Five-Time Winner of “Best Drummer” in the British Jazz Awards,
Clark Tracey is a proven group leader, writer and arranger. He has revived the famous jazz suites written by his late father, the great pianist & composer Stan Tracey, “Under Milk Wood” and “A Child’s Christmas in Wales”, bringing these masterpieces successfully to admiring younger audiences.

He creates educational Master Classes across the U.K. and continues to be an in-demand performer across the world.

Joining Clark for this Festival concert are jazz musicians, already making waves on the U.K. jazz scene.

Alex Clarke on alto and tenor saxophones is aged 23 and won the Rising Star in the British Jazz Awards 2 years ago and was runner up in the BBC Young Jazz Musician last year. She has successfully released her debut CD “Only A Year” with Dave Newton, Dave Green and Clark.

Emily Masser is an astonishing vocalist, still 20 years of age and attending the Guildhall School of Music. Her vocalese has already introduced her to hardened jazzers, including Claire Martin and Liane Carroll who have both endorsed her and invited her to sit in with them. Daughter of Dean Masser, her years belie her enormous talent, which began at Chetham’s School of Music.

Graham Harvey on piano is one of our most experienced pianists, studied at Berkley, MD of Incognito, Stacey Kent’s pianist and much sought after as a freelancer playing with major stars including
Dave O’Higgins, Alan Barnes and Mark Nightingale.

James Owston on double bass is 27, a graduate of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and again a runner up in the BBC Young Jazz Musician Finals a few years ago. In our opinion, he is the most technically gifted upright bassist in this country and is now working with a variety of musicians.

Please join us for an inspiring evening of great music, featuring Clark Tracey – a great jazz star and band leader, alongside a combination of today’s and tomorrow’s jazz stars.

“One of the most impressive jazz drummers today” – The Times

Clark Tracey was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2019 Birthday Honours for services to music and the promotion of jazz.