Gerard Presencer

b. 12 September 1972, London, England. Born into a musical family, his father sang opera and was also a jazz enthusiast, Presencer first played piano before switching to trumpet. He gained early experience sitting in at a jazz club operated by his father and then consolidated this during a spell with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. In the late 80s he became a member of the jazz quartet led by Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts. From this point onwards, through the 90s and into the early years of the next decade, Presencer became an in-demand sideman for dozens of leaders, both British and visiting Americans and Europeans. Among the many with whom he has played are Louis Bellson, Conte Candoli, John Dankworth, Roy Hargrove, Shorty Rogers, Ronnie Scott, Martin Taylor, Joe Temperley, Stan Tracey and Bill Watrous. That some of these leaders are themselves trumpet players gives an indication of the high regard in which he is held. He also leads his own small groups and in addition to recording sessions has appeared on television and in 1992 was a member of the on-screen band in the Michael Caine movie, Blue Ice. Also in 1992, Presencer won the Rising British Jazz Star Award, an honour that was amply justified by his subsequent work. In addition to leading his own units, Presencer has co-led with Tony Coe an excellent small group. A sparkling and inventive player in the bop and post-bop modes, Presencer also plays flügelhorn with a clear, ringing tone.