Stan Tracey

Stan Tracey was an outstanding figure in the jazz world. His distinguished career spanned six decades of flourishing creativity. He was a highly influential and stimulating musical voice, not only to his peers, but to each successive generation of musicians with whom he has worked.

Stans capricious piano playing combined the percussive melody of Thelonious Monk with the robust lyricism of Ellington in a highly idiosyncratic style. A master of harmony, he possessed a potent and compelling improviser's intellect. Through Stan Tracey's unflinching commitment and dedication emerged a very rare artist who sustained an output of highly exceptional music.

Throughout his career, Stan Tracey was a prolific composer, writing over twenty commissions and the music for forty of his own albums. His first major work Under Milk Wood inspired by Dylan Thomas radio play of the same title, is widely recognised as a masterpiece. A number of suites for big bands followed, as well as works for his octet, sextet, and quartet.