The New Stan Tracey Quartet - For Heaven's Sake (1996/2020)

Stan Tracey's capricious piano playing had the percussive melodiousness of Thelonious Monk tempered with the robust lyricism of Ellington. He was a highly influential and stimulating musical voice, not only to his peers but to each successive generation of musicians he has worked with. His "new" quartet of 1995 featured the cream of young British jazz talent.

Clark Tracey had made his own mark on the jazz scene during the last 15 years, not only as a drummer but as a leader of an impressive series of groups. He has performed and recorded with the like of Johnny Griffin, Pharoah Sanders, Scott Hamilton, Tina May and Claire Martin, whilst his own bands have featured such creative talents as Django Bates, Jamie Talbot and Julian Arguelles. "One of the most impressive drummers in Britain" (The Times).

At 23 Gerard Presencer was already one of the most accomplished soloists on the music scene. A truly precocious talent, his early years belie his artistic maturity. At 11 he became the youngest ever member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. He has worked alongside Johnnie Dankworth, Ronnie Scott, Kenny Drew, Ray Charles and Charlie Watts.

On moving to London from his native Birmingham in 1982, Andrew Cleyndert met saxophonist Bobby Wellins and Don Weller, and took over the bass chairs in their respective bands. Stints with Tommy Chase and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra followed. He has toured with Ted Curson and Bobby Watson, broadcast as a member of Kenny Wheeler's big band, and more recently has worked with Ronnie Scott and the singer Carol Kidd.

Personnel: Stan Tracey (piano), Gerard Presencer (trumpet, flugelhorn), Andrew Cleyndert (double bass), Clark Tracey (drums)

Recorded in Wembley, 14 September 1995