BIOGRAPHY
Gaz Hughes is a jazz drummer and bandleader whose style is deeply rooted in 1950s bebop. Known for his dynamic ensemble playing, he blends subtlety and energy to create compelling performances, earning praise from both audiences and renowned musicians.
“Incredible” – Ginger Baker
Gaz first gained recognition as the original drummer for the Matthew Halsall Band, contributing to early recordings on the influential Gondwana label. Their recordings earned Best Jazz Album at the Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards (2012) and a MOBO Award nomination (2011). In 2019, he won the People’s Vote for Jazz Drummer of the Year at the British Jazz Awards.
He has performed with jazz greats such as Scott Hamilton and Harry Allen and has supported legendary artists including Marshall Allen and Emmet Cohen. His swinging style makes him a sought-after drummer in the UK and beyond.
“Hughes exhibits a no-nonsense approach to his playing.” – Jazz Views
As a bandleader, Gaz has released four critically acclaimed albums. He is best known for his work with his piano trio, featuring Andrzej Baranek (piano) and Gavin Barras (double bass). Inspired by the Ray Brown school of thought, the trio delivers joyful, energetic performances with uplifting interplay. Their repertoire includes original compositions and sophisticated arrangements of jazz standards. Having toured extensively across the UK, they are recognized as one of the most in-demand jazz groups in the British Isles.
“They rarely deliver anything less than excellence, and today topped just about everything that had preceded it. I feel sad for the squares who weren’t there.”
– Bebop Spoken Here
Gaz proudly plays Canopus drums and 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.
Available now!
Released in 2024, Nuclear Bebopalypse marks a significant milestone for the Gaz Hughes Trio, showcasing their exceptional blend of bebop, hard bop, and modern jazz. Featuring eight original compositions, the album both honours jazz greats and firmly establishes the trio’s distinct sound.
Since focusing on the piano trio format, Hughes has developed a strong creative partnership with pianist Andrzej Baranek and bassist Gavin Barras. Their intuitive interplay is at the forefront here, with standout tracks like “The Message” and “Shootin’ from the Hip!” highlighting their dynamic chemistry. Hughes’s expert leadership and ability to merge complex compositions with spontaneous improvisation have earned him a reputation as one of the UK’s top jazz drummers and bandleaders.
“perfect balance, poise, purpose, exciting changes in pace, the light and shade of emotional expression and oodles of energetic creative spirit.” – The Jazz Mann
Nuclear Bebopalypse demonstrates the trio’s growth as musicians and composers, striking a perfect balance between jazz tradition and innovation.
The album is available on limited edition 12” vinyl, CD, and digital download.
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 2025, see the ‘upcoming shows’ section for more info.
Available on limited edition 12” vinyl, CD and digital download
Upcoming Shows
Previous Releases
THE GAZ HUGHES TRIO - BEBOPTICAL ILLUSION
Andrzej Baranek – Piano
Ed Harrison – Bass
Gaz Hughes – Drums
THE GAZ HUGHES TRIO - BEBOPERATION
Andrzej Baranek – Piano
Ed Harrison – Bass
Gaz Hughes – Drums
The Gaz Hughes Sextet - Plays Art Blakey
Alan Barnes – Alto/Baritone Sax
Bruce Adams – Trumpet
Dean Masser – Tenor Sax
Andrzej Baranek – Piano
Ed Harrison – Bass
Gaz Hughes – Drums
Contact
Gaz@GazHughesMusic.com
A Press Pack Kit is available to promoters and venues: