GREAT JAZZ IN THE HEART OF EAST SUSSEX!
NEXT CONCERT
Friday 7th March 2025 at 7.30pm
Another one-off concert featuring some of the finest jazz musicians in Britain.
The Emily Masser Quintet
“Songs With My Father” Album Tour
Emily Masser is a 20-year-old jazz singer from Wigan, and currently studying at London’s Guildhall School of Music. Besides the superb musical education she received at the famous Chetham’s School of Music, Emily was also given invaluable mentorship by her father, respected saxophonist Dean Masser. Emily gained attention and approval from jazz luminaries. Her breakthrough however, came with The Clark Tracey Quintet’s debut album, “Introducing Emily Masser”, showcasing her arrangements and vocals, and solidifying her reputation as a “new star of British jazz”.
Emily is joined by her father Dean Masser on saxophone and an all-star rhythm section: in-demand Hungarian pianist Matyas Gayer (Eddie Henderson, Scott Hamilton), rising-star bassist James Owston (Xhosa Cole, Greg Abate), and ultra-swinging drummer Steve Brown (Scott Hamilton, Barry Harris). This band has recently recorded “Songs With My Father”, an album dedicated to Emily’s late mother. The album features a mix of modern twists on jazz standards and also highlights Emily’s vocal approach to bebop.
BAND MEMBERS
Emily Masser (Vocals)
Dean Masser (saxophone)
Matyas Gayer (Piano)
James Owston (Bass)
Steve Brown (Drums)
PRESS QUOTES:
“Young Vocalist Emily Masser is one of the most original and distinctive musicians to emerge on the current British scene” – Jazzwise Taking Off article
“I’m sure this isn’t the last we’ll be hearing from Emily Masser – A burning talent for the future” – London Jazz News
“Masser makes her mark immediately skydiving into a hard- swinging scat, which is rich, timely and never without a smile” – Jazzwise
More detailed information and poster coming soon.
Musician bios below – another stunning line-up!
Emily Masser is a 20-year-old jazz singer and saxophonist from Wigan currently studying at London’s Guildhall School of Music. Besides the superb musical education she received at Manchester’s famous Chetham’s School of Music, Emily was also given invaluable guidance in jazz by her father, the highly respected saxophonist Dean Masser. Emily gained attention and approval from jazz luminaries Claire Martin and Liane Carroll. 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. This album enhanced her already existing presence on the scene and gained significant support from the jazz community, marking her as a “New star of British jazz”.
Dean Masser is an award-winning jazz saxophonist. He 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. In 2019 he won the public vote in the Tenor Saxophone category in the British Jazz Awards.
Matyas Gayer London based, Hungarian jazz pianist, Matyas Gayer is an award-winning young musician. And has become a prominent part of the British jazz scene by forging his own style and 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, and 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.
James Owston is a highly regarded UK double bassist known for his technical fluidity and strong connection to improvised music. Originally from Gloucestershire, he transitioned from electric bass to double bass while studying at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where he graduated with first-class honours. James has since built a prolific career, leading his own projects and collaborating with top UK musicians, such as Neil Yates, Greg Abate, and Gwilym Simcock. James is also a composer, and performs regularly with his trio. James was a finalist in the 2018 BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year award.
Steve Brown is a British jazz drummer 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.