Record Reviews

STAN TRACEY ~ THREE CLASSIC ALBUMS PLUS AVID 1044 (Barcode: 5022810304425) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1955 - 2003 Released: 2011 This is a marvelous collection of early recordings by the Godfather of modern British Jazz, pianist / vibraphonist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist. It includes the first two albums Tracey recorded as a leader: "ShowcaseFind albums with this title" (from 1958) and "Little KlunkFind albums with this title" (from 1959) and the only album by the short-lived octet Jazz Inc.Find albums by this artist led by drummer / composer / bandleader Tony CrombieFind albums by this artist, which features Tracey on piano. The "Plus" comprises of four tracks by the Stan Tracey quartet featuring Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist (from 1959), a couple of tracks by the Harry KleinFind albums by this artist Quintet featuring Stan Tracey on piano (from 1955) and a trio recording by guitarist Jon WheatleyFind albums by this artist, bassist Andrew CleyndertFind albums by this artist and Tracey from 2003 (not really belonging to this set but what the heck). This collection is not only highly entertaining, but also very educational, as it traces the development of Modern British Jazz, which started as a formidable adaptation of the American Jazz tradition and gradually developed into a completely new and even separate Jazz idiom. The comparison between "Showcase" and "Little Klunk" is particularly fascinating, as these two albums are light years apart from each other, although in fact they were recorded only one year between each other. The former, recorded in a trio / quartet setting features Tracey on piano and vibraphone, with guitarists Ike IsaacsFind albums by this artist or Ray DempseyFind albums by this artist, bassists Kenny NapperFind albums by this artist or Johnny HawksworthFind albums by this artist and drummers Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist or Ronnie VerrellFind albums by this artist (the piano pieces are trios and the vibraphone pieces are quartets). All the music on this album consists of standards and stylistically the music moves between Swing and Bebop, with Tracey obviously already listening closely to the American pioneers stepping beyond, especially Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist. The latter album, however, recorded in a trio format with Napper and Seamen features all original compositions by Tracey and clearly defines his original voice, which moves away quite radically from both Swing and Bebop, but not yet as advanced as it will become in not too distant future. The work of the magnificent Phil Seamen heard here is of course priceless, considering his tragically short life. The Jazz Inc. live recording is also a typical example of the British scene at the time, with the octet playing mostly original material by its members, with just a couple of standards thrown in for good measure. Excellent soloing by all the musicians and the accomplished Big Band sound are a superb nostalgic memento. The Tracey / Hayes tracks recorded by the BBC World Service for "export to former colonies", is a rare opportunity to hear these two Giants together, which happened only very rarely. The guitar trio tracks added here seemingly simply to "fill the time" prove to be the least interesting per se, although of course perfectly well played. Overall this collection, digitally remastered and very reasonably priced, is a true gem and an essential part of every modern British Jazz record collection. A must!

Updated: 04/12/2025Posted: 26/01/2016

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

STAN TRACEY ~ ZACH`S DREAM TRIO 560 (Barcode: 5060052775603) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002 This is a live album by British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic Jazz Piano trio setting with bassist Andrew CleyndertFind albums by this artist and drummer Clark TraceyFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, one of which is an original composition by Tracey and the rest are standards, including two compositions by Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist. The album offers an incredible sound quality, which emphasizes the perfect balance and ambience of the Jazz piano trio. The music is a perfect mixture of Jazz stylistic variations and the intimate trio setting offers a brilliant portrait of one of the greatest Jazz pianists ever and a close portrait of Tracey’s late career. His close connection with Cleyndert and his son Clark are pretty obvious and the entire album is simply a sublime musical experience. Tracey’s sublime stylistic touches and his marvelous idiosyncrasies are present fully within the music here, and his unique modernism, which made him so special, is clearly heard here, even within his interpretations of mainstream Jazz tunes. Listeners familiar with his extensive recorded legacy will of course be able to follow the synthesis of all his styles, which range from romanticism to avant-garde, always aesthetically perfect and elegant, with a dash of typical British humor. I have no idea why it took me do long to find a copy of this album, but I am happy to own a copy now, better late than never, which closes a gap in the collection of Tracey’s albums numbering in several dozens, all of them being musical treasures. Overall, this is a brilliant album, which represents Stan Tracey’s late period (he died in 2013), which is a marvel of an album and a must to all British Jazz enthusiasts, Jazz piano trio recordings lovers and of course Stan Tracey followers the world over.

Updated: 04/12/2025Posted: 04/12/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend