Concert Review

What makes for a great musical occasion? A combination of factors, but essentially outstanding musicianship.  From the moment Alan put the alto sax to his lips we knew we were in for an evening of sonorous and intuitive playing. There was also the professionalism displayed as he communicated   so naturally with each member of the trio - Craig on piano, Al Swainger on bass and Sam Brown on drums.   By the time we reached Thelonius Monk’s great number, ‘Ask me Now’, the trio were responding wonderfully, and raising their game.  Alan had the audience eating out of his hand whether on alto or baritone sax with its growly low notes, or treating the clarinet lovingly in an intriguing waltz or negotiating with the purest of sounds its highest register. The trio had their fair share throughout and each member  made his mark, whether in slow ballades, in Jerome Kern’s 1930’s ‘The Song is You’ – ‘a masterpiece of theatre’ -  or in the 1960’s Mihanovich number, ‘Some Time Ago’.

This was the first of a number of evenings in which the Arts Centre demonstrated it is moving up in the world - and it certainly did! Alan Barnes is probably the greatest UK saxophonist around.  His wide experience shows: from the Pasadena Roof Orchestra in the early 80s to the Humphrey Lyttleton band for four years up to 1992; and touring America and Europe as well as working with all the major UK bands.

The musicians were clearly exploding with energy and their enjoyment was tellingly transmitted to the audience.  Craig will be back with different players when they front the 2006 Jazz Guitarist of the Year, Dominic Ashworth , and on 16th July the outstanding US saxophonist Greg Abate.

 

ANTHONY PITHER, March 20102006 Jazz Guitarist of the Year, Dominic Ashworth .