UK drummer Clark Tracey brings us 'Introducing Emily Masser'

Drummer Clark Tracey has an impressive track record and his new release - Introducing Emily Masser - gathers his quintet to accompany rising star Emily Masser.

I first met Clark alongside his father the late, great pianist and composer Stan Tracey. Both were stalwarts of the London jazz scene that I loved in the 1980s.

Emily Masser is a relatively inexperienced vocalist in comparison, but she has already garnered attention from around the current UK jazz world. Accompanying Emily alongside Clark (drums) are James Owston (bass), Alex Clarke (sax and flute) and Graham Harvey (piano).

A favourite track on this exciting album is the quintet's version of Jimmy Deuchar’s Suddenly Last Tuesday. This was performed often by sax supremos Tubby Hayes and Ronnie Scott. Emily and saxist Alex Clarke make a great job of this new version.

The world of jazz vocalists is blossoming at the moment, and the arrival of Emily Masser only adds to that. This is a lovely album and it's always good to see more experienced jazz musicians like Clark Tracey helping pave the way for newer artists.

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Hilary Seabrook - writer, podcaster, musician

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