I first heard Barnes and Newton playing as a duo at Scarborough in 2007. Of course, over the years, I'd heard both of them individually on many occasions but, until now, I'd never been able to recreate that magical moment from all those years ago.
It has been worth the long wait. Few musicians have hit it off in a duo setting as well as these two. Ruby Braff and Ellis Larkins are one pairing, perhaps Armstrong and Hines are another after which the list becomes a lot thinner.
Barnes draws from his musical armoury to weave his magic around some choice compositions and not a Kern, Porter, Berlin or a Rodgers in sight. Instead we have Jobim, Bacharach, Jay Gurney, Carroll Coates, Henry Nemo, Bernstein, Ellington, Gordon Jenkins and Peanuts Hucko providing fine fodder for Barnes' array of saxes and clarinets.
Newton is content to stay with the studio grand, no synths or B3s just a well-tempered Steinway Grand (or similar) to build the foundation and to cast his own 88 note wizardry when Barnes takes a breather or to provide an entrance for the clarinet on that wonderful and sadly neglected song London by Night. Sinatra recognised a good song when he heard one and so do Barnes and Newton. Of course when Alan Barnes is at work there's always a touch of humour. Here he slips in a few notes from London Bridge is Falling Down as the piece draws to a close.
The virtual barrow boys will be inviting you to add it to your cart on Sept. 6. You could do worse, much worse. Lance
Brigas Nunca Mais (clarinet); A House is Not a Home/Alfie (alto); You're my Thrill (alto); London by Night (clarinet); 'Tis Autumn (bass clarinet); Lucky to be me (tenor); Tonight I Shall Sleep With a Smile on my Face (baritone); This is All I Ask (alto); À Bientôt (clarinet)
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