We’re excited to welcome the Alan Barnes Quartet to The Bear for the first time. Alan is a prolific international performer, composer, arranger, bandleader and touring soloist. He is best known for his work on clarinet, alto and baritone sax, where he combines a formidable virtuosity with a musical expression and collaborative spirit that have few peers.
His recorded catalogue is immense. He has made over 30 albums as leader and co-leader alone, and the list of his session and side-man work includes Björk, Bryan Ferry, Michel LeGrande, Clare Teale, Westlife, Jools Holland and Jamie Cullum. He has toured and played residencies with such diverse and demanding figures as Ruby Braff, Freddie Hubbard, Scott Hamilton, Warren Vache, Ken Peplowski, Harry Allen and Conte Candoli.
In British jazz, the young Barnes was recognized – and hired – by the established greats of the time (Stan Tracey, John Dankworth, Kenny Baker, Bob Wilber, and Humphrey Lyttelton), but he is equally respected for his longstanding and fruitful collaborations with contemporaries such as David Newton, Bruce Adams, and Martin Taylor.
Alan Barnes’s unique musicianship, indefatigable touring, and warm rapport with audiences have made him uniquely popular in British jazz. He has received over 25 British Jazz Awards, and has twice been named BBC Jazz Musician of the Year.
Alan will be joined by Paul Edis (piano), Adam King (bass) and Joel Barford (drums).
“Barnes plays music that was radical 50 years ago but he infuses it with so much passion and energy you could believe it was minted on the spot, which is always part of the story with jazz”
Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm / Tickets £15 / £9 for members
All seating/tables are first come first served.