Alan Barnes (alto sax, bass clarinet, narration); Robert Fowler (tenor sax, baritone sax, clarinet); Karen Sharp (baritone sax, tenor sax, clarinet); Bruce Adams (trumpet, flugelhorn); Mark Nightingale (trombone); Andrew Cleyndert (double bass); Clark Tracey (drums)
It's that time of year when some turn their attention to all things seasonal. Newcastle Arts Centre chipped in presenting a rare appearance in these parts of Alan Barnes' all star octet. And 'all star' is the term, each chair occupied by household names, band leaders and featured soloists in their own right, eight top class musicians.
A Jazz Christmas Carol is Alan Barnes' tip of the hat to Charles Dickens. Dressed for the part (see photo), as Barnes took to the stage without fanfare, his band mates and many in the audience had seen and heard it all before. And that's the thing, it doesn't matter one jot that you know how it goes and how it ends, it's great fun and it's all done with that rare commodity - casual brilliance.
Was it really 2016 when A Jazz Christmas Carol last visited the region? It was, Ushaw College, December 18th to be precise. This evening it was the exact same line-up with one exception, Andy Cleyndert in for Simon Thorpe. The story/performance of the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come would be peppered with Barnesian one-liners, you know they're coming but it's all in the timing. Solos of the extended variety were largely absent, it wasn't that kind of gig, this was storytelling at its best, the ensemble sound the thing.
Trumpeter Bruce Adams can blow the roof off when the mood takes him, not this evening. Trombone maestro Mark Nightingale played his part to perfection. To Barnes' left, Robert Fowler (principally on tenor) towered above, to his left, Karen Sharp, as good as they come on baritone sax, indeed any/all of the reeds. And then there was the rhythm section...Dave Newton, Andy Cleyndert, and Clark Tracey, piano, bass and drums, respectively! Trophy cabinets full of silverware, these are the 'first call' guys, no mistake!
Whatever Alan Barnes turns his hand to, it's a winner. The Black Swan crowd at Newcastle Arts Centre loved every minute, laughing along on cue. In a matter of a few weeks the man will be returning to the region, watch this space...
Thanks to Mike Tilley, Ivan and co, and Alice Grace for putting on a great show. The next Black Swan jazz concert is scheduled for Tuesday 28 February, watch this space... Russell
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