GREAT JAZZ IN THE HEART OF EAST SUSSEX!

NEXT CONCERT
Friday 6th March 2026  at  7.30pm

Another one-off concert featuring some of the finest jazz musicians in Britain.

The Emily Masser Quintet

Emily Masser is a 21-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 Alex Clarke 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)
Alex Clarke (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

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”.

Alex Clarke – As a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards and three-time nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Alex is known to be one of the most in-demand and versatile saxophonists to have emerged on the British jazz scene. Praised for her intelligent ear for harmony and a deep knowledge of repertoire across a broad spectrum of styles, Alex’s sound is steeped in the tradition of bebop. Her total respect for the heritage of the music can be heard in a fiery, melodic approach inspired by the likes of Phil Woods, Cannonball Adderley and Vincent Herring. As a bandleader, Alex’s quartet features some of the UK’s finest musicians: David Newton, Dave Green and Steve Brown. Her quartet have toured extensively around the country, appearing at jazz clubs, theatres and festivals including Swanage Jazz Festival, Southport Jazz Festival and Scarborough Jazz Festival. As well as working as a bandleader, Alex performs alongside many notable names such as Alan Barnes, Alex Garnett, Alec Dankworth, Bruce Adams and Art Themen, and regularly works with prestigious larger ensembles such as the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, the Simon Spillett Big Band and Down For The Count.

 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.