ALAN BARNES - One For Moll
Woodville WVCD 144
Alan Barnes ( alto ) Barry Green ( pno ) Adam King ( bass ) Mark Taylor ( drs )
Recorded at Clowns Pocket Studios, 2nd December 2014
In my recollection this is Alan Barnes’ first alto only album since he recorded “If You Could See Me Now” in 2002 on Zepher ZECD34.
This is a much more considered album whilst Alan does not seem to feel the need to fill every space and his solos are much more interesting, his influences from Johnny Hodges to Art Pepper are apparent but there is enough original Alan Barnes to make him something special.
There are five of his own compositions on the album and his writing and arranging skills are just as full of talent as his playing and they are never just a bunch of chord progressions but always have a memorable quality.
Pianist Barry Green has been around for some time often as accompanist to vocalist but hre is his chance to make his mark and he takes full advantage of it.
Bassist Adam King is the new kid on the block but he is a fine player with a big sound and is an asset to the group.
Drummer Mark Taylor has been resident in New York playing with some major names and this is a successful reunion with Alan Barnes.
Alan has a wide knowledge of the history of jazz and this comes across in his work both as a compoer and arranger as well as his playing although I suspect one of his first loves is the work of Ellington and Hodges.
The album kicks off with a Barnes original, “Blue Note” which has lyrics by the late playwright Ala Plater although they are not heard on this occasion. Alan’s playing owes much to to the late Art Pepper right down to the unison playing with pianist Barry Green.
He savours the melody on Billy Strayhorn’s Blood Count” with touches of Johnny Hodges but plenty of Alan Barnes originality. “I’ll Let You Know” is a lovely ballad by pianist Cedar Walto and Alan brings out the best in the composition, there also a beautifully considered solo by pianist Barry Green and has bassist Adam King completing the solo honours.
“Time After Time” is one of those numbers which seems to work in most situations and this rendering is no exception with the whole group hitting a groove from the off, the rhythm section works like a well oiled machine, a very satisfying track.
This is a thoroughly successful recording from all concerned and the Woodville lbel continues to turn out out some of the best jazz recorded in the UK.
Reviewed by Roy Booth
Woodville WVCD 144
Alan Barnes ( alto ) Barry Green ( pno ) Adam King ( bass ) Mark Taylor ( drs )
Recorded at Clowns Pocket Studios, 2nd December 2014
In my recollection this is Alan Barnes’ first alto only album since he recorded “If You Could See Me Now” in 2002 on Zepher ZECD34.
This is a much more considered album whilst Alan does not seem to feel the need to fill every space and his solos are much more interesting, his influences from Johnny Hodges to Art Pepper are apparent but there is enough original Alan Barnes to make him something special.
There are five of his own compositions on the album and his writing and arranging skills are just as full of talent as his playing and they are never just a bunch of chord progressions but always have a memorable quality.
Pianist Barry Green has been around for some time often as accompanist to vocalist but hre is his chance to make his mark and he takes full advantage of it.
Bassist Adam King is the new kid on the block but he is a fine player with a big sound and is an asset to the group.
Drummer Mark Taylor has been resident in New York playing with some major names and this is a successful reunion with Alan Barnes.
Alan has a wide knowledge of the history of jazz and this comes across in his work both as a compoer and arranger as well as his playing although I suspect one of his first loves is the work of Ellington and Hodges.
The album kicks off with a Barnes original, “Blue Note” which has lyrics by the late playwright Ala Plater although they are not heard on this occasion. Alan’s playing owes much to to the late Art Pepper right down to the unison playing with pianist Barry Green.
He savours the melody on Billy Strayhorn’s Blood Count” with touches of Johnny Hodges but plenty of Alan Barnes originality. “I’ll Let You Know” is a lovely ballad by pianist Cedar Walto and Alan brings out the best in the composition, there also a beautifully considered solo by pianist Barry Green and has bassist Adam King completing the solo honours.
“Time After Time” is one of those numbers which seems to work in most situations and this rendering is no exception with the whole group hitting a groove from the off, the rhythm section works like a well oiled machine, a very satisfying track.
This is a thoroughly successful recording from all concerned and the Woodville lbel continues to turn out out some of the best jazz recorded in the UK.
Reviewed by Roy Booth
