Stan Tracey - Soundcheck

This 2-CD set by the legendary British jazz pianist Stan Tracey features brand new recordings by Tracey and his regular rhythm section - Clark Tracey on drums and Andrew Cleyndert on bass.

Stan Tracey celebrates his 85th birthday in 2011 and is still playing at the top of his form. The first CD of this double album features Tracey with just his son Clark Tracey, which is the first time they have recorded in a duet format. The duo has improvised a set of spontaneous originals with quirky and humorous titles such as Stick Chops, Statin Doll and Midnight Around.

The second CD features the trio which performs a set of classic jazz standards that showcase Stan's unique style of playing, influenced by Ellington and Monk but now completely his own. Having played together for over 15 years the three musicians demonstrate an incredible mutual empathy while each still retaining their strong, virtuosic individuality.

Personnel: Stan Tracey (piano), Clark Tracey (drums), Andrew Cleyndert (double bass on CD2)