Emily Masser-Alex Clarke Quintet

Friday 13th February 
Crookes Social Club,
8.00 – 10.45 pm, doors open 7.20 pm

Emily Masser: vocals
Alex Clarke: saxophone
Graham Harvey: piano
James Owston: bass
Matt Home: drums
photo credit Robert Crowley

Click Here for Tickets

Emily Masser is one of the most exciting young voices and Alex Clarke one of the most in-demand, versatile young saxophonists emerging on the British jazz scene. Both initially came to prominence with Clarke Tracey’s bands in his ‘Art Blakey’ role recruiting emerging talent but have since formed their own bands and recorded their own critically acclaimed albums. Emily, praised for the warmth and maturity of her interpretations and Alex, for her intelligent ear for harmony and deep knowledge of repertoire across a broad spectrum of styles, have joined forces to play a mix of standards and bebop numbers backed by a top notch rhythm section.

“Young vocalist Emily Masser is one of the most original and distinctive musicians to emerge on the current British scene” – Jazzwise
“An extremely accomplished player now and a big star for the future. No one could doubt that the future of jazz is safe in Alex Clarke’s hands” – The Jazz Mann

Emily Masser was educated at Chetham’s School of Music and London’s Guildhall School and benefitted from mentorship by her father, respected saxophonist Dean Masser. Her first recording was on ‘Clark Tracey Quintet – Introducing Emily Masser’ in 2024. Her breakthrough came with her recent album ‘Songs With My Father’, a heartfelt project dedicated to her late mother which received glowing reviews and praise for Emily’s “pin-sharp singing, sparkling scat, and polished vocalese” (UK Jazz Views). https://emilymasser.co.uk/
https://emilymasser.bandcamp.com/album/songs-with-my-father

“Her singing has been compared to that of the great British Jazz export Annie Ross and on the evidence of this performance it’s easy to see why” – The Jazz Mann
“Masser shows her excellent vocal skills and then seals the deal with a scat solo to die for” – Jazz Views

Alex Clarke was a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020 and winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards. Her deep respect for the heritage of the music can be heard in her swinging, melodic sound which is reminiscent of Scott Hamilton and Lester Young and influenced by Phil Woods and Cannonball Adderley. Her debut album ‘Only A Year’ showcased her sound and homage to the art of straight-ahead bebop. www.alexclarkejazz.co.uk/

“One of the UK’s finest young jazz talents” – The Jazz Rag
“…strong and full sound… swinging, melodic and refreshingly cliché-free” – Jazz Views

Graham Harvey has been the pianist for singer Stacey Kent from 2006 to the present, touring extensively and recording several albums for Blue Note, including the Grammy nominated ‘Breakfast on the Morning Tram’. A much sought after freelancer he has played with the likes of Dave O’Higgins, Alan Barnes, M People, Chaka Khan, Jocelyn Brown and Mica Paris and for 10 years was musical director of the pop band Incognito.  https://www.grahamharveypiano.com/

James Owston is a graduate of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Clark Tracey’s Quintet who was also a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year.  As well as being an active sideman, James leads his own groups, notably ‘The James Owston Mingus Quintet’.

Matt Home has also played in clubs, theatres and Jazz festivals throughout Europe, Asia and South America has played with many artists including Bob Wilber, Warren Vache, Stacey Kent, Ray Gelato, Karen Sharp, Scott Hamilton and Eric Alexander. “Matt Home combines the creativity of Max Roach with the wide open swing of Art Blakey” – John Fordham, The Guardian

Video Links

Ticket Prices

Full – £18
Over 60, disabled, unemployed – £16
18-30 year olds, student with NUS card – £10
15-17 year olds – £5
Under 15s – Free

We encourage you to book tickets online in advance, to avoid missing out and to make life easier for our Door Team.  It will be possible to pay for entry at the door (preferably by contactless payment) if seats are available.

Advance tickets available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/sheffield-jazz