Clark Tracey

Clark is an excellent, highly experienced and award-winning drummer, bandleader, composer and arranger. Originally featured with the band of his late, great, father Stan, Clark has gone on to establish himself in his own right as one of the country’s leading modern jazz drummers. He has recorded over 90 albums (9 as a leader) and performed in over 50 countries. He has been awarded the "Best Drums" title three times in the British Jazz Awards and Ronnie Scott's Award for “Best Drums” in 2007. As a bandleader he can boast that some of the finest musicians in the UK have passed through his ranks including the likes of Nigel Hitchcock, Dave O'Higgins, Mark Nightingale, Mornington Lockett and Zoe Rahman. As well as composing and arranging for his own group he has composed for the Berkshire Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Appleby Festival Big Band and written string quartet arrangements for vocalists Claire Martin and Joan Viskant. Joining Clark on the stand this evening will be the brilliant horn section of newcomer Chris Maddock on sax and Henry Armburg Jennings on trumpet, along with the talented young rhythm section of Harry Bolt on piano and Dan Casimir on bass (the same group who appeared with Clark earlier in the year for the release of his latest recording, “Meantime…”). As Clark succinctly puts it, “Finding young guys who can play this music is becoming much easier, but finding young guys who can understand this music in addition is always more of a challenge. I believe with this band I’ve found what I’m looking for.” The driving force behind the night’s entertainment however will of course be Clark himself, bringing a rhythmic diversity, taste and sensitivity that has made him one of the UK’s most respected drummers.

“...one of the most impressive jazz drummers in Britain today” The Times