In-demand saxophonist proves big pull for Pangbourne jazz fans

Alan Barnes at Pangbourne Jazz Club on Sunday, September 4, review by DEREK ANSELL

They are just getting back into their stride at Pangbourne Jazz Club after Covid and a long layoff. They have had two earlier presentations this year although the appearance of saxophonist Alan Barnes produced an almost full house. Well, Alan is a big attraction to jazz folks, he has played in all the important UK jazz line-ups and is a strong soloist on alto, clarinet and baritone sax.

He would always make a living as a comedian if not playing music and he described his baritone playing as ‘same old trash an octave lower’. He started off with Strike Up The Band, where, getting tongue tied he almost began playing Bike Up The Strand.

And that was the way this concert at Pangbourne continued, some sturdy solo work on alto sax followed by a one liner. That opener, Strike Up for example, had some strong alto sax solo work of the sort to delight boppers everywhere. Terry Hutchings followed on with some burgeoning guitar chords. Jim Pollard on piano, Rob Levy on bass and drummer Brian Greene completed a lively rhythm section that ensured the music was swinging all through the gig. Ballads were a speciality of this band and they also focused on the solo contributions of Hutchins, Pollard and Levy.

Alan’s sound on clarinet was somewhat smoky, but that is meant as a compliment. It was certainly unique and personal. He played a Duke Ellington composition Prelude To A Kiss with pressing, sympathetic support from all the rhythm boys. Self deprecating as usual in his humour, Alan played One For Moll which he wrote for his daughter. He later told us that he heard her friend say "he’s not so bad, your dad" to which she responded,"he’s alright but another half hour of this’ll do your ‘ead in". Not true Alan.

The almost full house, and it’s a very big hall, loved every minute of a two-and-a-half-hour programme and we all left with our heads intact.

Although Barnes is mainly known for his alto sax and clarinet work it is worth pointing out, that his inventive solos on baritone sax are crusty, crisp and with a very striking tone overall.

The evening ended, wildly, with a tear up on Sweet Georgia Brown.