A new release from Pete Cater is on the way this spring, with the British jazz drummer confirming that his EP West Side Story will be released digitally on May 1st, 2026. The announcement is accompanied by two live dates for The Great Drum Show, scheduled in Soho and Eastleigh later in the month.
The recording process behind West Side Story sets it apart. Cater made the EP in a school hall during the summer break, opting for a setting far removed from a conventional recording studio. Even so, the finished work is said to achieve a rich, high-end sound, demonstrating both Cater’s exacting standards and the strength of the musicians involved in the project.
Across a career spanning decades, Cater has become one of British jazz’s most recognised drummers. His achievements include a 5th place ranking in Rhythm Magazine’s Best Jazz Drummer in the World poll, alongside awards such as Best Big Band at the British Jazz Awards and Best Drummer at the Radio 2 National Big Band Contest. These honours reflect a long-established reputation for technical skill and musical authority.
Cater’s background has been central to that journey. Born in Staffordshire in 1963, he grew up with jazz in the home thanks to his father, a semi-professional drummer. He began performing while still young and later moved to London at 29, a decisive point in a career built on determination and independence. Now living in West Sussex, he also runs a record label dedicated to supporting other artists and independent music-making.
The live dates for The Great Drum Show will take place on May 17th at Pizza Express, Soho, and on May 20th at the Concorde Club in Eastleigh. Known for a commanding stage presence, Cater remains an active and evolving figure in jazz, and West Side Story arrives as further evidence of a career that continues to grow on its own terms.