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 a follow-up album. In February 2023, Gaz will release his third album as a band leader, entitled “Beboptical Illusion”, featuring mostly original compositions and representing a new direction for the trio. The album will be supported by a UK tour starting in March.
Gaz is an endorsed artist of the Canopus drum company.
THE GAZ HUGHES TRIO
beboptical illusion
THE GAZ HUGHES TRIO
beboptical illusion
Introducing Beboptical Illusion, the highly anticipated new album from jazz musician Gaz Hughes. This marks his third studio release, featuring 7 original compositions and a ballad by Duke Ellington. The album draws inspiration from a diverse range of genres including Bebop, Latin, New Orleans, Avant-guard and Modal influences, culminating in a unique and memorable sound. The artwork, like the music, is a “Beboptical Illusion”.
Featuring Gaz Hughes on drums, Andrzej Baranek on piano and Ed Harrison on double bass, have been described as “Old school Jazz for the 21st Century” by promoter Dale Bassett of Sonata Lounge, Manchester.
This release marks a turning point for Gaz Hughes, as it is the first time he has recorded his own compositions, a new direction he will be pursuing moving forward, taking inspiration from Oscar Wilde’s words “Be yourself because everyone else is taken”.
The Album was captured in just two days during the summer of 2022, and is available for purchase as both a digital download and physical CD. The trio will also be embarking on a 30-date UK tour starting in March 2023 to promote the album.
Previous Releases
THE GAZ HUGHES TRIO - BEBOPERATION
Andrzej Baranek – Piano
Ed Harrison – Bass
Gaz Hughes – Drums
The Gaz Hughes Sextet - Plays Art Blakey
“Thoroughly entertained by top class musical talent” – Pershore Jazz
Alan Barnes – Alto/Baritone Sax
Bruce Adams – Trumpet
Dean Masser – Tenor Sax
Andrzej Baranek – Piano
Ed Harrison – Bass
Gaz Hughes – Drums
DISCOGRAPHY
Contact
Gaz@GazHughesMusic.com
07467 040282
A Press Pack Kit is available to promoters and venues: