For Pete Cater, West Side Story is more than a new EP. Set for digital release on May 1st, 2026, it represents the latest chapter in a career shaped by independence, persistence, and a deep connection to jazz music.
Cater’s background has long informed his approach. Born in Staffordshire in 1963, he grew up surrounded by jazz and was inspired by his father, a semi-professional drummer. By his early teens, he was already performing live, and his later move to London at the age of 29 helped him build the foundation for a professional career marked by resilience and self-belief.
West Side Story was recorded in a school hall during the summer break, a setting far removed from the conventional studio environment. Even so, the EP achieves a refined and high-quality sound, supported by a lineup of skilled musicians. The project reflects Cater’s belief that strong music depends not only on resources but on creativity, discipline, and commitment.
Now based in West Sussex, Cater continues to support independent releases through his record label while drawing attention to the challenges faced by artists outside the mainstream industry. With The Great Drum Show dates at Pizza Express, Soho, on May 17th and the Concorde Club, Eastleigh, on May 20th, West Side Story finds Cater still pushing forward as a leading voice in contemporary British jazz.