Shear Brass

When Sir George Shearing’s great nephew, drummer Carl Gorham, inherited a family folder simply marked 'Shearing', he found it contained some wonderful old photos, reviews and programmes stretching back decades. He'd always known about the amazing story of his great uncle; how George had been born blind, the youngest of 9, and had started off as a pub pianist in Lambeth, before going to the USA, selling a million and ending up becoming an international jazz star, recording hugely successful albums with Nat King Cole and Peggy Lee, playing for three different US Presidents at the White House and eventually being knighted. Something about seeing all this incredible material made Carl want to do something new with the Shearing legacy, so he got in touch with long time friend and collaborator Jason McDermid, and 'Shear Brass' was born.

‘Shear Brass’ brings a fresh and dynamic new approach to one of Britain’s greatest ever jazz musicians and composers.
Combining the punch of a big band with the intimacy of a small group, this hard swinging, highly melodic outfit showcases some of the UK’s most gifted soloists. Whether reinterpreting classics such as ‘Lullaby of Birdland’ and ‘Conception’ or reintroducing lesser-known tunes such as ‘Night Flight’ and ‘Children’s Waltz’, its richly varied live show mirrors Shearing’s own development, encompassing swing, be-bop, cool and Latin jazz, topped off with some of the most celebrated vocal numbers of the 20th century. Shearing compositions have been recorded by artists such as Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole. Amy Winehouse, Mariah Carey and Peggy Lee. Perhaps the most famous, ‘Lullaby of Birdland’, was composed in 20 minutes on the back of a napkin.

'Shear Brass’ features an array of outstanding musicians whose credits include Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, the Ronnie Scott All Stars, Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames, Dizzy Gillespie, Tom Jones, Quincy Jones, Joss Stone and many more.
Its critically- acclaimed debut album ' Celebrating Sir George Shearing' was released on Ubuntu Music in September 2023 with a sell-out gig at Ronnie Scott's in London. 'Shear Brass' are currently gigging and this Autumn will be recording their second album for release in 2025.

PRESS

JOOLS HOLLAND

‘An absolute treat for all music lovers everywhere’


JAZZWISE ****

‘A wonderfully satisfying tribute to one of the jazz greats’

‘They don’t come much better than this musical feast’


BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE ****

‘A lovely new take on his legacy ‘


JAZZ VIEWS ****

‘As a celebration of Sir George Shearing there can be none finer’


UK VIBE *****

‘A refreshing change to hear Shearing’s music cast in sparkly new arrangements’


ALL ABOUT JAZZ ****

‘Packed with creative ideas’

‘Crisp and contemporary ‘