THE GAZ HUGHES TRIO

NUCLEAR

BEBOPALYPSE

AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW

THE GAZ HUGHES TRIO

NUCLEAR

BEBOPALYPSE

AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW

BIOGRAPHY

Gaz Hughes is a renowned jazz drummer and band leader, who first gained wide public attention as the original drummer in the Matthew Halsall Band. He has played a significant role in the early recordings of the Gondwana label and has been a highlight on the album “On The Go”, which won the Best Jazz Album of the Year at the Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards in 2012, and was nominated for the Best Jazz Album MOBO Awards in 2011.

“Incredible” – Ginger Baker

As a sideman, Gaz has performed with an impressive array of jazz artists, both in the UK and internationally, including Scott Hamilton, Harry Allen, Marshal Allen, Greg Abate, Alan Barnes, Bruce Adams, Mark Nightingale, Tony Kofi, Ian Shaw, and many others. Additionally, he has also collaborated with a number of rock and pop artists such as Patti Boulaye, Suzi Quatro, Ray Quinn, Rick Guard and Kristyna Myles.

“An extremely tasteful and swinging straight ahead drummer, Hughes exhibits a no nonsense approach to his playing” – www.jazzviews.net

In 2019, Gaz was voted 5th Place in the British Jazz Awards. In 2020, he released his debut album as a band leader, “Plays Art Blakey”, featuring Alan Barnes, Bruce Adams and Dean Masser. The album was met with critical acclaim and was supported by a UK tour and extensive radio play. In May 2022, Gaz released a trio album “Beboperation” which was well received by audiences and critics. Following its success, the trio went back to the studio to record the follow-up album “Beboptical Illusion”. Throughout 2023, the band remained on a continuous tour. They persistently engage in the creation of fresh music and are set to unveil “Nuclear Bebopalypse” in 2024. Following the release, they plan to hit the road once again, with pauses solely dedicated to recording additional music.

Gaz is endorsed by Canopus drums & Rohema drumsticks.

THE GAZ HUGHES TRIO

NUCLEAR BEBOPALYPSE

THE GAZ HUGHES TRIO

NUCLEAR BEBOPALYPSE

The Gaz Hughes Trio Unveils “Nuclear Bebopalypse” – A Swing and Bop Odyssey from three rising stars of British Jazz.

Release date February 2, 2024

Get ready for a musical journey like no other as The Gaz Hughes Trio unveils their latest opus, “Nuclear Bebopalypse,” Riding high on the success of their 2023 UK tour, the trio showcases eight original compositions, the album pays homage to jazz legends, blending heritage with a modern twist for a captivating soundscape that strikes the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

Having maintained a demanding tour itinerary, the ensemble has dedicated the majority of the year to both performances and the creation of new music. The contents of this album distinctly demonstrate the on-going evolution of the band. Each of the eight tunes draws their influence from the history of the music, yet at no point do they ever sound derivative. There are echoes of pianists Horace Silver and Bud Powell with a touch of Ellington too, but these are no more than reference points as the compositions all stand on their own merits.

The opening “The Message” is straight out of the Blue Note sound. A great melody that hunkers down with bass and drums to provide a solid platform for Andrzej Baranek’s improvisation, while another of Hughes’s tunes “Shootin’ from the Hip!” has a wonderful bass line over which the pianist Baranek lays down a funky solo.

In a short space of time, Gaz Hughes has established himself as one of the premier jazz drummers in the UK. With three acclaimed albums under his belt, Hughes has built quite a reputation with audiences around the country, not just for his drumming but also for his engaging personality both behind and in front of the kit. The trio are touring in 2024, see the ‘upcoming show tab ’ for more info.