Fleece Jazz

One of the most significant events in UK jazz history was the first time Stan Tracey's "Under Milk Wood" suite was heard. It is probably the largest selling UK jazz album. Sixty years on, Stan's son Clark brings us a reprise of this much-loved music.

We old folks treasure the times that Stan played at Fleece Jazz. We also treasure Clark's times with us, whether as side man or band leader. To have Clark back with such a superb band is a delight. Three generations of Traceys will be represented: Stan's music, Clark's playing and Ben's (with Sharon White) narration and reading from Dylan Thomas' wonderful poems.

To say that Clark Tracey is a stalwart of British jazz is to diminish him. He is one of the finest drummers that the UK has ever produced. He is a fine composer, a much sought after side man and a great band leader. He is also a promoter and an educator with a keen interest in young talent. He is, to my mind, the best at hearing and playing the room; his levels are always perfection.

Music is in Gareth Williams' blood. He says, “My grandfather was a professional singer, mostly in the Welsh language.” Williams also sang when he was younger. “I was in two school choirs and sang in the church choir four times a week. I think that’s where I got my real musical education.” Gareth has his own band, and is much in demand for his superb pianism, which we last delighted in his playing; it was in 2023, with Josh Kemp.

Simon Allen began his career with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Pendulum Jazz Orchestra, performing alongside the likes of Jazz Stars Art Themen, Gerard Presencer, Jamie Cullum and Peter King. After being a winner in the Daily Telegraph ‘Young Jazz’ competition and a finalist in the ‘Young Jazz Musician of the Year’, he was selected to join UK drummer Clark Tracey’s acclaimed Quintet, winning further awards and touring the UK over 7 years. Simon has released an album under his own name, ‘Any Minute Now' by the Simon Allen Quintet, featuring Laurence Cottle, Martin Shaw, Tom Cawley and Mike Bradley. Simon was appointed Head of Jazz at The Purcell School.

Andrew Cleyndert has graced our stage many times. As well as being a wonderful bassist, he runs a jazz label and is one of our finest recordings, mixing and mastering engineers. He has toured with Stan Tracey, with American piano players Benny Green, Junior Mance, with drumming legend Ed Thigpen, New York saxophonist Jon Gordon, trumpeter Conte Candoli, and guitarists Herb Ellis and Mundel Lowe.

• Gareth Williams - Piano
• Simon Allen - Sax
• Andrew Cleyndert - Bass
• Clark Tracey - Drums
• Ben Tracey/Sharon White - Narrators

Fleece Jazz is an independent, non-profit association run by a voluntary committee who have been providing modern and contemporary jazz for 28 years. They book talented musicians and jazz bands from the UK and beyond to perform at Stoke by Nayland Resort, providing the perfect backdrop for these cherished and popular events.

Fleece Jazz events are generally held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.