AUTUMN 2011 NEW RELEASE - CD PRICE : £12.00 (incl. p&p)
RSJ 111
"I've always had a particular fondness for A Child's Christmas in Wales because it evokes so many memories of the festival when I was a child.
I was, therefore,delighted when Clark suggested that I should write something based on Dylan Thomas' story and wondered why I hadn't thought of it first.
I hope the music reflects some of the pleasure it has given me."
Stan Tracey
Stan Tracey Quartet - A Child's Christmas
Stan Tracey - piano
Simon Allen - tenor saxophone
Andrew Cleyndert - double bass
Clark Tracey - drums
narrated by Ben Tracey
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tracks 1. Overture To Times Past 2. Narration 3. Prothero's Dilemma 4. Narration 5. Wagging The Bag 6. Narration 7. Easy for Leonardo 8. Narration 9. Jinks 10. Narration 11. Pudding And Mince 12. Narration 13. Trolls 14. Narration 15. Overture To Times Past (Reprise) |
0:45 4:08 6:13 3:08 7:00 2:40 5:57 1:33 6:07 3:47 6:22 3:00 5:43 0:57 5:01 |
Reviews.(Oct 2011)
Chris Parker. Vortex Magazine
'I've always had a particular fondness for Dylan Thomas's short story "A
Child's Christmas in Wales" because it evokes so many memories of the
festival when I was a child … I hope the music reflects some of the
pleasure it gave me.' Thus Stan Tracey on the reasons behind his
having written his first new suite in ten years, performed here by his
quartet, completed by Clark Tracey (drums), bassist Andrew
Cleyndert and saxophonist Simon Allen. Of course, Tracey has
already visited Thomas's work to produce one of UK jazz's most enduringly
popular albums, the exclusively musical (in its original version) Under
Milk Wood (1965); here, however, he intersperses his eight
compositions with seven narrations, read with impressive sensitivity and
intelligence by grandson Ben Tracey.
The resulting album is an unalloyed delight: Tracey's joyously pungent pieces reflect the spirit of Thomas's prose-poem perfectly, descriptions such as 'a boy the spit of
myself, with a pink-tipped cigarette and the violet past of a black eye,
cocky as a bullfinch …' and of Auntie Hannah, steeped in parsnip wine,
singing of 'bleeding hearts and death' memorably complemented by the
pithily witty piano of Tracey himself, Allen's lucid and emotive
saxophones and a fine-tuned but muscularly propulsive rhythm section. Ben
Tracey's contribution also deserves the highest praise; Thomas's unique
mixture of poetic eloquence, barbed wit and nostalgic sentiment is an
elusive beast to capture, but he manages it perfectly; overall, this album
is a worthy successor to its illustrious sixties predecessor.
JANUARY 2011 - DOUBLE CD PRICE : £15.00 (incl. p&p)
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The Duo Stan Tracey - piano Clark Tracey - drums The Trio Stan Tracey - piano Andrew Cleyndert - d. bass Clark Tracey - drums |
Duo tracks 1 Foregone Conclusion 2 Stick Chops 3 Soundcheck 4 Curry Favour 5 Statin Doll 6 Mrs T 7 M25 8 Gambons 9 Midnight Around Trio tracks 1 Lil Ol' Pottsville (S Tracey) 2 Chelsea Bridge (B Strayhorn) 3 Let's Cool One (T Monk) 4 I Cover The Waterfront (J Green, E Heyman) 5 Angelica (D Ellington) 6 Goodbye (G Jenkins) 7 I Want To Be Happy (V Youmans, I Caesar) 8 Blue Monk (T Monk) |
Stan Tracey Duo/Trio - Soundcheck
RSJ 110
Reviews.(Feb 2011)
John Fordham. Guardian.***** (5 stars)
This might well be Stan Tracey's best collection in years, which – considering he's now negotiated 84 of them – is a testament to the British piano master's restlessly sparky imagination and even sparkier energies. Half of this double album features drummer Clark Tracey and bassist Andrew Cleyndert, on a very familiar trio menu of originals and assorted Ellington and Monk classics – but though it's the usual expert solos-in-turn swing-to-bop exercise, accounts of Lil Ol' Pottsville, Chelsea Bridge or Blue Monk seem even more focused than usual, and the cohesiveness, dynamics and fluency of the leader's improvisations make them memorable even by his standards. But it's the impromptu duo encounter featuring simply the two Traceys on piano and drums – a warmup exercise they've often privately explored but never recorded – that really marks this venture out. Stabby Ellingtonian piano chords ring out over snickety snare-drum patterns, rumbly tom-tom figures underpin playful peckings at notes, liquid ballad intros become chord-sweeping swaggers, and then return to meditation. It's a wonderful improvised dialogue, and reveals percussion resources not all of Clark Tracey's observers might have appreciated he has.
Mike Hobart, Financial Times. ***** (5 stars)
The veteran pianist’s lean note placement, oak-aged tone and skewed runs have rarely sounded better than on this double CD of trios and duets.
Son Clark plays drums on both, his supporting role with bassist Andrew Cleyndert in Tracey’s working trio contrasting with the interactive brilliance of these remarkable duets. The trio’s pithy investigations of the standard repertoire are terrific, but the rich emotional range and narrative logic of the duets enter deeper, more personal territory.
Ray Comiskey, Irish Times. *****(5 stars)
A series of coruscatingly inventive, robust but subtle, spontaneous exchanges, presented unedited, give stunning proof of their imaginative rapport. Coherence and dramatic shape are not sacrificed to spontaneity – little motifs and patterns are there – but these irresistible duets have the shared sense of discovery and buoyancy of two masters at the top of their game. One of the albums of the year.
Chris Parker, Vortex Magazine.
All the Tracey hallmarks are present: the delightfully unpredictable skipping
runs, the sudden intervallic leaps down the piano concluding in an
emphatic percussive clang that seems to launch the solo back up the keys,
the telling use of space and subtle rhythmic displacement. 'Strong,
virtuosic individuality' is Clark's phrase for this, and it has seldom
been better documented than on this wholly enjoyable and valuable release.
SPRING 2010 - DOUBLE CD PRICE : £15.00 (incl. p&p)
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Simon Allen - tenor saxophone Mornington Lockett - tnr & sop saxophones Sammy Mayne - alto saxophone Mark Nightingale - trombone Guy Barker - trumpet Stan Tracey - piano Andrew Cleyndert - double bass Clark Tracey - drums |
The Hong Kong Suite 1. Sweet Lips. 2. Lunar Lanterns. 3. Moon Cake. 4. Dragon Boats. 5. Crackers & Bangers. The Amandla Suite 1. Cottons & Bobbins. 2. Humberto's Dream. 3. The Cuban Connection. 4. Building Bridges. 5. Unison. |
Stan Tracey Octet - Later Works
RSJ 109
Duncan Henning. Jazzwise.
****
In Stan Tracey's hands, his octet has all the power and vitality of a much bigger band. It's not just the production which is excellent. It's a matter of texture and colour. Featuring two pieces commissioned in the 1990's only now receiving their record debut, this CD shows how Tracey bringts out the very best in his players. And, as with all ghreat bandleaders, his sidemen stick with him. Listen to Guy Barker's solos on 'Moon Cake' and the gorgeous 'Dragon Boats' from 'Hong Kong Suite' - you'll see what I mean. Or check the introduction to 'Humvberto's Dream' from 'Amandla Suite'; there's a richness of tapestry there that many writers for big bands and orchestras would envy. And I just love the frenetic, yet assured accuracy of the ensemble and solo work on Amandla's closing title 'Unison'. Everyone excels on this cut, while it's closing moments prove just how good a drummer son, Clark really is. Stan, of course, is on fine form throughout. I don't think anybody writes better within his style for large groups. Proud and celebratory, just keeping on swinmging.
2009 release - CD PRICE : £12.00 (incl. p&p)
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Stan Tracey - piano Simon Allen - saxophones Andy Cleyndert - bass Clark Tracey - drums |
1. Afro-Charlie Meets The White Rabbit 2. Duffy's Circus 3. Dream Of Many Colours 4. Rocky Mount 5. Triple Celebration 6. Stemless The Grandad Suite 7. Benology 8. January's Child 9. Portrait Of Katie 10. Zach's Dream |
Play Clips of the Grandad Suite
Stan Tracey Quartet - Senior Moment
RSJ 108
Tim Stenhouse
Stan Tracey returns with one of his freshest sounding recordings in years and at least one of the reasons for this seems to be the new musical collaboration with young and upcoming talent in saxophonist Simon Allen alongside long-term band members Andrew Cleyndert and drummer Clark Tracey. The elder Tracey has enjoyed special musical relationships with some of the all-time greats...more/less
For this latest album Tracey has revisited some of his vast back catalogue of his compositions and, in addition, offering an excellent new suite, 'The Grandad Suite', devoted unsurprisingly to his own grandchildren. Coltrane and Ellington are indeed conjured up with the reflective 'Dream of my colours' featuring beautiful soprano saxophone from Allen while in contrast 'Duffy's Circus' is an uptempo bop number in which Stan Tracey stretches out and Allen delivers a fiery solo on alto. There is an obvious nod to Thelonius Monk on the be-bop number 'Afro-Charlie meets the white rabbit'. However, of the non-suite pieces, the tour de force is unquestionably the calypso driven 'Triple celebration' where the tenor of Simon Allen hints at late-fifties Sonny Rollins and the overall feel is one that Dollar Brand would be at home with. The lengthy four piece suite impresses greatly with the lyrical first piece, 'Benology' the stand out track once again featuring the soprano saxophone of Allen and one of the album's most melodic pieces wheareas the fourth part, 'Zach's dream' is a blues-inflected number that is the ideal vehicle for Stan Tracey to solo at length. As ever immaculate accompanying from Andrew Cleyndert and Clark Tracey respectively. This is one of Stan Tracey's most enjoyable albums in several years and a very fitting tribute to his sadly deceased wife Jackie.
Tony Hall. Jazzwise Dec/Jan issue.
This is the first new Stan Tracey recording I've heard in ages and deserves to be hailed as on of his best. The band is so relaxed. Sounds just as though they were on a gig. Quite a few first takes? Stan really is a national treasure. In his 80's, he's playing better than ever...more/less
Stan dedicates the record to wife Jackie, who recently passed away. A contemporary of mine long ago at Decca, she started as switchboard operator (with Sir Edward Lewis among her fans), progressed to promotion, then shortly after producing his classic 'Lil Klunk' for Tempo, left to manage Stan. Always feisty, to put it mildly, she gave up everything for Stan and will be missed.
Ray Comisky, Irish Times Oct. 2009
Along with Andy Cleyndert (bass), Clark Tracey (drums) and Simon Allen (alto/soprano/tenor), Stan Tracey revisits some of his old originals for an album as fresh and enjoyable as anything he’s ever done. The relative newcomer is Allen, a formidable talent with wide experience at the top table and the ability to burrow into a piece, take on its colours, produce exhilarating solos and quit with plenty of gas left in the tank...more/less
Peter Bacon, blogcatalog.com, October 09
Disc of the day -
It’s a catchy, Caribbean-tinged, joyful tune that could have been written by Sonny Rollins, and the saxophonist is doing nothing to dispell that thought. The pianist launches into a solo of exuberant high and low end keyboard conversation, before the saxophonist returns to work a sure-footed and nearly manic display of melodic happiness. Meanwhile the rhythm team buoys them all along, the bass solo takes the theme of enjoyment on and the drummer carries it through. And then it’s back to the head. The whole thing seems to be over in less than a minute, though it has lasted more than five. That’s what happens to time when you are having fun... more/less
Stan’s always played a strong card in irony and deadpan, of course – and the title is a classic case in point. In a blindfold “guess the ages of the band members” test the number 80 would have no chance of being mentioned, yet this adventurous, spirited, robust and superbly executed album is the latest from the supreme grandaddy of British jazz. Some of those half his age should be ashamed! Senior Moment is made up of new versions of tunes from his vast library – Duffy’s Circus, Stemless, Dream of Many Colours, etc – but making up the second half is the four-section The Grandad Suite of recently written pieces inspired by his grandchildren.
Of course, we know of Stan’s exemplary taste in musicians, but a special word for Simon Allen is in order. We may be familiar with his playing from a longish stint in Clark Tracey’s band, and with the BBC, Laurence Cottle and Matthew Herbert big bands, but he really gets to shine at length here, and, on whichever saxophone he chooses, he is superb: articulate, impassioned, big and bold or more delicate of tone as the music dictates, and always matching head and heart in perfect balance. You feel like every note is considered and every note is heartfelt; he doesn’t let his concentration stray for an instant, neither does he let in any cliches.
All in all, a storming set.
released July 07 - CD PRICE : £12.00 (incl. p&p)
Stan Tracey Orchestra - Live At The Appleby Jazz Festival
RSJ 103
Recorded July 2004 & July 2006
Stan Tracey / Bobby Wellins - Play Monk
Quartet with Andrew Cleyndert and Clark Tracey
RSJ 104
Recorded December 2006
Live At Appleby Jazz - "Recording quality is vivid and atmospheric and the music is absolutely glorious."
Peter Bevan
All About Jazz - NY Oct 07
By Donald Elfman
Englishman Stan Tracey has long been influenced by Monk's pianistics and on Play Monk he presents - along with cohort saxophonist Bobby Wellins - a more conventional (that is, more like the classic Monk quartet recordings) but never less than compelling take on an evening's worth of the master. Recorded at London's renowned The Bull's Head, it plays up how much Monk's vocabulary has been absorbed by Tracey and Wellins. A familiar collection of tunes with their quirky ups and downs, the co-leaders play as if this music is in their blood - as indeed it must be. Tracey's son Clark plays drums and the bassist is Andy Cleyndert, a working quartet that never lets these tunes become old hat. The essence of the group and of Monk is immediately evident on "Bright Mississippi", the composer's stunning ‘simplifying' of "Sweet Georgia Brown". The band digs in for a ride that finds Monk and his source in beautiful tandem. Tracey's solo calls up not just Monk and Duke (another hero) but also the stride roots from which both emerged. On "Monk's Mood", unaccompanied tenor and piano delve into this episodic composition but take paths that suggest other worlds. And none of these players ever loses the joy and spirit of the music from which they take off.
see more reviews of these two albumsSTAN TRACEY - CD RELEASE RE-ISSUES
We Still Love You Madly
CD PRICE : £12.00 (incl. p&p)
Released on double CD
Trumpets: John Barclay, Steve Sidwell, Guy Barker, Henry Lowther - Trombones: Malcolm Griffiths, Chris Pyne, Geoff Perkins - Saxophones: Peter King, Jamie Talbot, Alan Skidmore, Art Themen, Phil Todd - Piano: Stan Tracey - Bass: Roy Babbington - Drums: Clark Tracey
CD2 - 'Stan Tracey Plays Duke Ellington'
Stan Tracey and Roy Babbington
1 I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart
2 Prelude To A Kiss
3 Satin Doll
4 In A Mellotone
5 Day Dream
6 Great Times
7 Sophisticated Lady
8 Black Butterfly
9 Lotus Blossom
CD1 - the Orchestra
1 I'm Beginning To See The Light
2 Creole Love Call
3 Festival Junction
4 In A Sentimental Mood
5 Stomp, Look And Listen
6 Blue Feeling
7 Passion Flower
8 Just Squeeze Me
9 Mood Indigo
10 Lay By
Released for the first time on double CD
Stan Tracey Quartet's "Captain Adventure" from the Steam Catalogue first released in 1975 now with extra tracks from the live recording.
Stan Tracey - piano / Art Themen - saxes / Dave Green - bass / Bryan Spring - drums
Disc Two
1 Tease 'N' Freeze
2 Lover Man *
3 Constant Pud *
4 Captain Adventure
5 'Twas Ever Thus *
6 Blues, Encore Blues *
* Previously unissued material
Disc One
1 Friday the 31st *
2 They'll Call Us *
3 Doin' It For Art
4 Afro Charlie Meets The White Rabbit *
5 See Meenah
"Not only a return for Captain Adventure, but a return to the catalogue for one of Stan Tracey's most memorable groups. This is a double CD reissue of the session recorded live at the 100 Club in November 1975 by pianist Tracey with Art Themen on saxes, Dave Green on bass and drummer Bryan Spring.
It seems a long time ago, but this inspired music - sometimes tranquil, sometimes fierce - holds up wonderfully well, and is a vivid reminder of how each member of the quartet brought his own distinctive qualities to it. Everything from the original Steam recording is here, plus seven extra tracks which make up the whole of the evening's session. So those who have the old LP will need no encouragement to buy the CD set, and new listeners can do no better than to start here."
Pete Martin. Jazz UK.