Photograph by Monika S Jakubowska
Please you tell us about your new album and UK album launch?
The new album is called ‘Extraordinary Journey’ and it’s an attempt to chart the amazing musical development of my great uncle, Sir George Shearing. It features material from his dance band days at the end of the thirties, through his cool quintet recordings in the USA and the Latin-flavoured output of the fifties, right through to his popular vocal collaborations with singers such as Peggy Lee.
The aim behind the album was to capture that sense of an artist evolving and changing; the variety and richness of it all. George was forever looking at ways of challenging himself musically and we wanted to showcase his boldness and versatility. I was also keen to champion his compositional skills which I feel have been much underrated (outside of ‘Lullaby of Birdland’ and ‘Conception)’. ‘Just a Mood’ and ‘Black Satin’ for example are great tunes and rarely celebrated.
I’m delighted that we were able to get such a wonderful line-up for the recordings – top musicians including James Pearson, Alec Dankworth, Pete Long, Alistair White, Anthony Kerr and Sarah Moule; a fabulous producer as well in Derek Nash. The new arrangements by our musical director Jason McDermid played a crucial role – it’s vital to bring something fresh and new to a tribute such as this whilst still retaining the soul of the original. I think Jason did a great job in that delicate balancing act.
I couldn’t be more pleased with how it has turned out and I’m really looking forward to the launch at Ronnie Scott’s on September 21st. We have some other new dates at the beginning of next year as well, so come along!
What other projects are you currently involved in?
I’m also working on a TV documentary idea about George. It’s been many years in the offing (like most TV projects!) but Shear Brass’ music will be front and centre of that. I’m also planning a third Shear Brass album and developing the live show too. Overall, I’m very committed to keeping the family legacy going.
What are you currently listening to and what was the last CD or download you bought?
I’m currently listening to Joe Harriott (the Joe Harriott Story 4-disc set) and Hank Mobley (5 original albums set) – both really interesting, slightly forgotten performers and composers. Also, ‘Seamen’s Mission’, the collected recordings of the great Phil Seamen, one of my favourite drummers. It’s an amazing reminder of his brilliance and adaptibility – he was just as good with a small group as he was in a big band setting.
The last CD I bought was ‘Greek Street Friday’, a wonderful CD by Ian Shaw. Very stylish and original.
What is your all-time favourite album and why?
I can only get it down to three, sorry (and even then, I’m struggling!)
‘Shearing on Stage’ – a key early inspiration for me as it was one of many George recordings we had around the house when I was growing up. It really captures the energy and joy of his live performances.
‘Heavy Weather’ by Weather Report was a teenage discovery that I still love today. Such great individual performances within a band that still works perfectly as a single unit.
‘Birth of the Cool ‘by Miles Davis. A totally unique album – that unusual lineup, the innovative arrangements, the way the music just seems to float… It’s completely satisfying for head and heart. I still discover new things in it every time I listen.
Who has caught you attention recently that we should be listening out for?
I would recommend everyone go and see Simon Spillett’s Tubby Hayes Show. Yussef Dayes is electrifying. I saw a fantastic performance not too long ago from Emma Rawicz and Polly Gibbons’ voice is just magical. I don’t think there’s ever been a time when there have been so many wonderfully talented musicians around.
Extraordinary Journey by Shear Brass is released on 26th September 2025 on CD, vinyl and digital.
UPCOMING SHOWS
Sunday 21ST September 2025 – Ronnie Scott’s (Album launch gig) SOLD OUT
Sat 24th January 2026 – Cheltenham, Bacon Theatre
Friday 30th January 2026 – Chichester Festival Theatre, Minerva Theatre
Friday 6th Feb 2026 – Southampton Mayflower Studios
For more information visit carlgorham.com/music
