Emily Masser is a 20-year-old jazz singer and saxophonist from Wigan, from London’s Guildhall School of Music.
Emily gained attention and encouragement from jazz luminaries Claire Martin and Liane Carroll and also, during the time she spent honing her craft in the Clark Tracey Quintet. Her breakthrough came as a member of The Clark Tracey Quintet, with the release of their acclaimed album, “Introducing Emily Masser” consisting of Emily’s arrangements and vocals, taking classic jazz standards such as “So Near So Far” and “The Man I Love” and making them sound newly minted and excitingly different. Her contributions to this album enhanced Emily’s presence on the scene and also garnered support from jazz media, marking her as a “New Star of British Jazz” (London Jazz News). Her performance on this recording draws on influences and inspirations such as Annie Ross, Betty Carter, and Sonny Stitt and has already picked up the attention of reviewers, magazines and radio broadcasters.
If the Masser name sounds familiar it is because she is the daughter of the respected saxophonist Dean Masser who is the sax player in her quintet along with bassist James Owston, Matyas Gayer on piano and Steve Brown drums.
Dean Masser started his professional career as a member of the Jack Parnell Quartet and recorded a live album during a week-long stint at Ronnie Scott’s shortly after graduating from Leeds College of Music as Saxophone Prize winner. Dean has been honoured to play and record alongside many of the leading names in British jazz, such as Alan Barnes, Mark Nightingale, Gilad Atzmon, Martin Shaw, Seb de Krom and Georgina Jackson. In 2019 he won the public vote in the Tenor Saxophone category in the British Jazz Awards.
James Owston is a double/electric bassist based in Birmingham. James is an active performer in his 3rd year studying at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. As well as running his own groups, James is currently playing with the Clark Tracey quintet.
London based, Hungarian jazz pianist, Matyas Gayer has become a prominent part of the British jazz scene by forging his own style and musical voice through the use of the jazz piano tradition. A regular performer on the London and European jazz scene, Matyas has collaborated with the greats of jazz such as Eddie Henderson, Scott Hamilton, Rick Margitza, Grant Stewart, amongst others. He was recently part of a live recording at Pizza Express, Soho with Don Branden, shortly followed by a studio album recording with Scott Hamilton. Matyas has released a new trio record this year with Dave Green and Steve Brown.
Steve Brown is a British jazz drummer originally from Manchester. His career began in the 1990s, and he has since worked with notable artists such as Scott Hamilton, Barry Harris, Alan Barnes and Dave Newton, along with his involvement with The Echoes of Ellington band. He has been recognized with several prestigious awards throughout his career. Notably, he has won the British Jazz Award for Best Drummer multiple times, including in 2007, 2009, and 2013.
Music here – Emily Masser with the Clarke Tracey Quintet
Tickets £20/18 concessions (£10 for 30 and under) here https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/jazzleeds/emily-masser-quintet/e-lbkqem
Support 7.30-8pm from Leeds Conservatoire sax player Conrad Clenton Septet
Emily Masser Quintet @Seven Arts, Thursday 31 October Doors 7.15pm
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