GROUPS
currently on the go this year are:
Clark Tracey's Jazz Groove - a back to basics quintet featuring Bruce Adams on trumpet, Sam Mayne on alto, Steve Melling on piano and Simon Thorpe on bass. We've performed a few times already and look forward to the Titley Festival in July.
Clark Tracey Trio - This is the trio which recorded "British Standard Time" (sold out but now available as a download from givemejazz.com, a selection of compositions penned in the UK, some personal favourites as well as tunes that have become more established. The trio has been together since forming the nucleus of Claire Martin's band in the mid '90s.
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.com.
HERTS JAZZ
Herts Jazz Club, which I took over in May 2010, is running pretty smoothly in our latest venue, 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. I'm delighted to announce we have our first Herts Jazz Festival in August this year, featuring a superb line up of musicians. Please have a look at hertsjazz.co.uk/festival/ for full details.
STEVE MELLING/CLARK TRACEY SEPTET
We've been in the studio and made an album recently which will be available as a download very soon and hopefully released as a CD in the future. All original tracks, it's a really good album which should help us find more work this year!
RECORDING
Awaiting the release of an interesting album I made recently with Ethiopean pianist Sammi Yirga for Realworld recordings. Sammi's receiving much acclaim for his fusion of musical backgrounds and it was a pleasure to be involved.
Stan Tracey has recorded a new album with his first new compositions in many years. His inspiration was Dylan Thomas' short story, "A Child's Xmas In Wales", and was performed by Simon Allen on tenor & soprano, Andrew Cleyndert on bass, Stan and myself plus narration by my very own son, Ben Tracey. Due for release in October 2011 on resteamed.com.
Stan is also preparing a new recording with various guest artists with his trio, also on Resteamed Records.
I'm knocked out with the response to "Soundcheck" a duo/trio recording with Stan, Andy and myself. We went almost straight into a second pressing following some lovely reviews.
Mark Armstrong's Quartet release "Coastbound" is out, featuring Mark on trumpet and flugel, Tom Cawley on piano, Andrew Cleyndert on bass and myself.
Steve Melling/Clark Tracey Special Septet is now out. A series of mostly original compositions featuring Dave O'Higgins, Simon Allen, Mark Armstrong, Mark Bassey,
DRUM BOOK
I've been invited to write a book for Schott Publishing as part of their series on jazz. Entitled "Exploring Jazz Drums", it should hit the stores in 2012. There will be playalong CDs and written examples of the background to jazz drumming as well as exercises and tips. A formidable task but looking forward to the challenge.
TONY LEVIN
Following the sad death of the great drummer Tony Levin in February this year, I'm honoured to have been asked to take his place in the European Jazz Ensemble.
Celebrating its 35th year, the EJE have several European dates and festivals this year. There are also some memorial concerts for Tony in the next few months, please check my diary for dates.
EDUCATION
As well as teaching locally for the Herts Music Services, I teach at various jazz courses and drum workshops. I also teach privately on occasion from Grade 1 to beyond and invite you to get in touch with me if you're interested in a lesson, wherever you live, as it's often possible to hook up on the day of a nearby performance. If you are a drum student (of any standard) and have a query about an aspect of drumming, I am always very happy to reply if you use this link to mail me. I'll be posting some of the more interesting questions and answers soon so please feel free to join in.