Top-form Stan Tracey
Mercifully rescued from a studio clearout, these 1959 tapes show the pianist at his best
Stan Tracey
The 1959 Sessions
Stan Tracey (piano!, Tony Crombie, Phil Seaman (drums), Kenny Napper (bass) Resteamed Records RSJ 116
Like many of the brilliant modern jazz musicians who emerged in ’50s Britain, pianist Stan Tracey was somewhat overshadowed on the international stage by his American counterparts. But as a leader and accompanist possessed of a distinctly percussive and pungent sound, Tracey was an integral part of the London scene for over 50 years. As a composer, especially of longform suites, he was in a class of his own.
This recently unearthed studio session was recorded in 1959 when the 33-year-old Tracey was house pianist at Ronnie Scott’s club. Originally intended for LP release, the inch tapes were discovered by chance in a studio clearout.
It’s a vivid monaural time capsule, capturing Tracey as leader with an idiosyncratic style influenced by his love of Thelonious Monk’s unpredictable timing and Duke Ellington’s sophisticated swing. Tracey as a composer of breezy Brit bebop is also in evidence, with his own material making up half of the set.
The mischievous reading of ‘Jumpin’ With Symphony Sid’ and a dappled take on ‘Moonlight In Vermont’ are lovely. The friendly familiarity of originals ‘Mood 13’ and ‘Little Girl Sadly’ suggests they’re pre-loved standards. ★★★★