Shear Brass

Shear Brass is a dynamic jazz ensemble led by drummer Carl Gorham, who is the great-nephew of legendary British jazz pianist and composer Sir George Shearing. The group was formed to celebrate and reinterpret Shearing's wide-ranging musical legacy, blending big band energy with the intimacy of a smaller group. Their debut album, *Celebrating Sir George Shearing* (2023), features fresh arrangements of Shearing classics like "Lullaby of Birdland," "Conception," and lesser-known gems such as "Night Flight," showcasing an all-star lineup of UK jazz musicians, including pianist James Pearson and trumpeter Jason McDermid. Gorham, also a writer and versatile musician, brings new lyrics to some of Shearing’s instrumentals, adding a contemporary touch to the timeless repertoire.

Shear Brass aims not just to recreate the famous "Shearing sound" but to highlight the depth, subtlety, and variety in Shearing’s music, from bebop and cool jazz to Latin influences and collaborations with icons like Nat King Cole. The ensemble has received positive reviews and enjoyed sell-out shows, often weaving storytelling and archival material about Shearing’s life into their performances, offering both longtime jazz fans and newcomers a rich musical and historical experience. Carl Gorham's personal connection to Shearing adds a heartfelt dimension to the project, making Shear Brass not only a tribute band but a living part of Shearing’s extraordinary legacy.