Stan Tracey C.B.E. has worked in many different settings ranging from backing such greats as Stan Getz, Ben Webster, Sonny Rollins and many more via solo and small group sessions to leading a big band playing his own compositions and arrangements. However, amidst all these different settings, the one that stands out for me is his Octet.
More than a small group, less than a big band, the octet seems to capture the best of both mediums.
I first heard them at Scarborough in 2007 and was completely floored. At Gateshead this year the line-up is virtually the same except Guy Barker is on trumpet - a plus point - or six - in anyone's book.
Alongside Barker, Mark Nightingale, (tmb), Sammy Mayne (alto), Simon Allen and Mornington Lockett on tenors make for an unbeatable front-line. With Tracey senior on piano, Tracey junior (Clark) on drums and, most likely, Andy Cleyndert on bass this is an absolute dream line-up.
Like Duke Ellington, Stan Tracey's alma mater, he writes to the strengths of his sidemen which, given the strength of his sidemen, gaves him much strength indeed!
I'm looking forward to this one even if it means foregoing Jerry Dammers' Spatial A.K.A. Orchestra - I bet that, afterwards, two buses come along at once!
The Stan Tracey Octet. Hall Two 8:00pm. Friday March 26. £7 - £18.50.
(There is a Pre-concert talk where author and broadcaster Alyn Shipman takes Stan Tracey on a journey through his life and music from the early days of modern jazz in this country. This is in Hall Two and is free to ticket holders for the Stan Tracey concert.)
Lance.
Tickets for all concerts from The Sage Box Office, or by telephone 0191 4434661, or online www.thesagegateshead.org/.
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