Jazz at Progress | Emily Masser Quartet | Tickets on sale soon
Friday 27 June 2025 | Progress Theatre, Reading | 7: 30pm | £19.00 (£17.00 concessions, £10 under 16) plus maximum 5% booking fee.
Emily Masser vocals
Matyas Gayer piano
James Owston bass
Steve Brown drums
Emily Masser Quartet
“Masser shows her excellent vocal skills and then seals the deal with a scat solo to die for” – Jazz Views
Rising star Emily Masser is an astonishing vocalist. Still just 20 years of age her range, variation and seemingly effortless delivery reflect a confidence and ability which belie her years.
Emily gained attention and encouragement 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, taking classic jazz standards such as “So Near So Far” and “The Man I Love” and making them sound newly minted and excitingly different. Her contributions to this album enhanced Emily’s presence on the scene and also garnered support from jazz media, marking her as a “New Star of British Jazz” (London Jazz News). Her performance on this recording draws on influences and inspirations such as Annie Ross, Betty Carter, and Sonny Stitt and has already picked up the attention of reviewers, magazines and radio broadcasters.
London based, Hungarian jazz pianist Matyas Gayer has become a prominent part of the British jazz scene by forging his own style and musical 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, Rick Margitza, 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 double/electric bassist based in Birmingham. James is an active performer in his 3rd year studying at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. As well as running his own groups, James is currently playing with the Clark Tracey quintet.
Steve Brown is a British jazz drummer originally 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.
