Emily Masser - March newsletter.
Tuesday, March 03, 2026
Vocalist Emily Masser has forwarded her latest newsletter, including details of forthcoming live appearances.
Emily Masser writes;
March Newsletter - Emily Masser
MARCH NEWSLETTER
Welcome (or welcome back!)
If you’ve just joined, thank you very much for signing up - I’m looking forward to staying in touch.
It’s been a minute since I last popped into your inbox, it’s been a busy few months! I’ve had some great gigs with some some of my favourite musicians and friends. I thought I’d give you a quick recap of some of my highlights.
Before I get carried away with what I’ve been up to, let me tell you about what’s coming up…
On Friday 6th March I’m heading to Bodle Street Green with Alex Clarke, joined by Matyas Gayer, James Owston and Steve Brown. I would absolutely love to invite you… but it sold out weeks ago.
However — the very next night, Saturday 7th March, my quartet will be at Peggy’s Skylight in Nottingham for two evening shows.
I’ll be joined by the same ridiculously swinging rhythm section (minus Alex this time). I’m really looking forward to this gig as we will be playing some new arrangements (which might be appearing on my next album!)
If you’ve never been, it’s such a great place for a gig and some of the best food (you can make a whole evening of it — dinner and a show, very civilised, you don’t get that in Wigan!).
If you can make it to Nottingham, I’d love to see some friendly faces in the audience.
Ticket link;
https://peggysskylight.co.uk/events/emily-masser-quartet-7th-march-2026/
Scarborough Jazz Festival
We kicked things off at Hull Jazz Club on the Thursday night. Alex, Robin Aspland, James, Steve and I had booked an Airbnb en route. The plan was to grab a takeaway, but we drove past a Tesco just before closing time and thought, “Oh this is sensible.”
Worst. Decision. Ever.
We arrived after 11pm and spent a solid ten minutes staring at a lockbox. Five professional musicians… and not one of us could find the key. We’re much better when there is a chart in front of us!
Eventually we got in, only to begin phase two: the pitch-black shuffle around the house trying to locate the light switch. Once illuminated, there was of course the traditional childish sprint to claim bedrooms (don’t worry, we gave the elders the nicest rooms).
Then came the “cooking”.
Robin very kindly took on the responsibility of preheating the oven for our Indian ready meals. Unfortunately, he preheated it to what I can only assume was “surface of the sun” and never turned it back down. The result? Molten plastic gently infused into our chicken tikka masalas.
Nothing bonds a band quite like the threat of plastic poisoning.
The next day we set off for Scarborough Jazz Festival, where I was completely blown away by how well looked after we were - seamless parking (despite me not letting them know we’d be driving), lovely hospitality, even free drinks appearing at just the right moment. It really is one of the best festivals.
We played our quintet set, and then a quick outfit change before heading straight back on stage for the Oscar Peterson Centenary concert with the Dean Stockdale 11, celebrating the late, great Oscar Peterson.
We organised to stay for the whole weekend and upgraded ourselves to another Airbnb - this one with multiple bedrooms, a short walk from the venue, and lovely sea views.
We had a rotating cast of lodgers each night, but this time we were absolutely spoilt at dinner.
Mark Armstrong was cooking up a storm, and Steve Brown was on Negroni duty (not that any of us can particularly remember them… which probably tells you everything you need to know).
The food was so good that word spread quickly — before we knew it we had representatives from all corners of the British jazz scene appearing at the door.
I’m very glad to report there was a dishwasher. Otherwise I think I’d still be in Scarborough, elbow-deep in plates.
I’m aware I’ve mostly talked about food here, but you already have to listen to me sing — I won’t also make you read detailed descriptions of each gig.
Anyway… that’s the weekend wrapped up.
(Wrap… see what i did there? You could say I’m a chip off the old block!)
Saxophone and bass clarinet debut at Cadogan Hall
Swingin’ With Strings - The Jazz Repertory Company (Pete Long Orchestra)
Featuring Claire Martin, Iain Mackenzie
I was unbelievably excited to be in the sax section for this gig, great fun (despite never having played bass clarinet before this gig).
Sheffield Jazz Club
It was my first time driving myself to a gig - I’ve recently passed my driving test so It was quite freeing to not have to rope Alex into driving me to the nearest train station after the gig. We had a great time playing with Graham Harvey, James Owston and Matt Home. Unfortunately I didn’t get any photos of the band but I did get a photo of my reverse bay parking attempt. (I’ll spare you the picture…)
PARISH NOTICES :
06/03 - Bodle Street Green
07/03 - Peggy’s Skylight (please come!)
20/03 - Chichester Jazz Club
16/04 - Alsager Jazz Club
13/05 - Shrivenham Jazz Club