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As part of the London Jazz Festival Stan Tracey was joined at Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho, with his established trio of the past decade, his son Clark Tracey drumming and Andrew Cleyndert on Double bass. For this run of shows the Trio were also joined by regular collaborator UK trumpeter Guy Barker, and Dutch alto saxophone player, Benjamin Herman.

Under not Milk Wood but the sunken ceilings of the Dean Street venue, the quintet played wonderfully, with renditions of Duke Ellington and plenty of Thelonious Monk standards along with other delectable compositions. The opening few tracks allowed space for each highly capable performer to display their individual skills, expressing exquisite solos.

Pumping basslines, haunting melodies, wonderful ensemble and solo playing

The uptempo swing entertained the seated diners and delighted the writer who would have loved a Dingwalls-esque dancefloor to express his enjoyment on. Haunting melodies charmed their way out of Guy Barker’s horn, while Benjamin Herman refused to waste a note, and each time his alto entered a number it was with an opulent richness. Herman’s dapper suit matched his crisp playing.

Basslines pumped engagingly from a smiling Cleyndert, who united with Clark Tracey to provide a sublime rhythm section. The younger Tracey showed himself to be a UK great in his own right with varied rhythms and frequent demonstrations of his abilities, controlling the beats.

Throughout the evening the depth of Stan Tracey’s playing rang out, rose and resounded; technically excellent, light, humorous and playful, all scored with a bleak sorrow. I expect his idol, Duke Ellington, would have approved and taken much pleasure from a gentleman who is one of the finest jazzman ever to come from the UK.

Benjamin Herman and the Trio have recently released a new album, The London Session on Dox Records. The Trio have also released an album with Guy Barker this year on Trio Records, Let Them Crevulate

Stan Tracey has more shows later in the year performing with both a trio and a quartet, featuring Guy Barker and Bobby Wellins, including a gig to commemorate his 80th birthday; celebrations of which will hopefully fill him with the bliss that he has given to many.

Tracklist
Blues
Lullaby of the Leaves (Bernice Petkere)
Mr Gentle & Mr Cool (Duke Ellington)
Solo Piano - Willow Weep for Me (Ann Ronell)
Trumpet & Piano - Monk’s Mood (Thelonious Monk)
Autumn Leaves
Drop me off in Harlem (Duke Ellington)
Bye-ya (Monk)
Pannonica (Monk)
Bye bye Blackbird (Monk)

Links
http://www.stantracey.co.uk/
http://www.clarktracey.com/
http://www.guybarker.co.uk/
http://www.benjaminherman.nl/