Tracey taught himself to play piano and by his early teens was performing professionally. In the 50s he was deeply involved in the British modern jazz scene, working with musicians including Kenny Baker, Tony Crombie and Ronnie Scott. For most of the 60s he was resident pianist at Scott’s club, backing numerous visiting jazzmen including Zoot Sims and Sonny Stitt. In the middle of the decade he formed a regular band, which included in its personnel at one time or another Bobby Wellins, Peter King and for many years Art Themen.