Formed in January 2018, this group is the latest in a succession led by drummer Clark Tracey since the early ‘80s, which showcases emerging, young and exceptionally talented jazz musicians. ‘No Doubt’ marks Clark’s 40th year in jazz as he turned professional in 1978 when he joined his father Stan Tracey CBE’s band.
Trumpeter Alex Ridout is already making heads turn, winning the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year Award in 2016 when just 17 years old. 18 year old alto player Sean Payne was a finalist in the first of those awards when he was 14. Both musicians were heard by Clark at the Purcell School of Music some years ago and are currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music. On piano is Elliott Sansom, who recently graduated from Birmingham Conservatoire where Clark regularly teaches and he was also a finalist in the BBC jazz awards.
Bassist James Owston is still studying at Birmingham where he is tutored by Arnie Somogyi and Mark Hodgson.
Recorded in April of 2018, this recording, which is Clark’s 15th under his own name, has two original tunes by the horn players and three tunes which allow the musicians to stretch out. In their first year, under Clark’s guidance, the quintet have performed at a number of major venues including Ronnie Scott’s Club and the Pizza Express, along with festivals such as Swanage and the South Coast Jazz Festival.
