Like the Dickens classic itself, Alan Barnes’s “Copperfield” has something for everyone.A great night out that is also a treat for the jazz connoisseur; it will delight anyone who loves music or literature – or just being entertained!

A Jazz Christmas Carol : By Alan Barnes

Like the Dickens classic itself, Alan Barnes’s “Christmas Carol” has something for everyone. A family night out that is also a treat for the jazz connoisseur; it will delight anyone who loves music or literature – or just Christmas!

The idea is based on the classic two tenor bands that have existed throughout the history of jazz, but this time featuring the less travelled path of two altos. Lots of very accessible originals leavened by gems from the greatest jazz composers.

A long standing hard swinging quintet

Art Pepper recorded a classic in 1959 called Art Pepper +11 with arrangements by Marty Paich and featuring Art Pepper as the main soloist throughout. With this in mind, Alan commissioned Mark Nightingale to write 13 charts for 12 piece big band of tunes written in 1959

The Sound of the Baskervilles
- A Sherlock Holmes Suite.

This full-length musical/literary performance explores the characters, atmosphere and stories of Sherlock Holmes by means of readings, commentary, and a set of brilliant original jazz compositions.

A collaboration to pool their considerable writing and arranging skills to create a unique repertoire for 5-saxes and rhythm section. The material spans a large chunk of the history of jazz from early Ellington to original compositions.

'Fish Tales' is a jazz suite written by multi award-winning reeds master Alan Barnes and talented guitarist/composer Pat McCarthy, with poetry written and performed by Josie Moon. The octet features trumpeter Martin Shaw, trombonist Mark Nightingale and saxophonist Gilad Atzmon. 

This long established octet has always been a show-case for Alan’s arranging and composing skills. This new suite of compositions takes its cue from Duke Ellington’s practise of presenting a separate portrait of each member of the band, written to their strengths and trying to capture their essence as musicians. 

Alan and David have been playing duets for over 35 years, since their days together at College in the late 70’s. David has a unique piano style, very much influenced by the playing of Dave McKenna, with total independence between the hands and a real sense of swing.

Martin is, without doubt, one of the world’s greatest guitarists. This duo came about, at Martin’s suggestion, he also suggested that Alan restrict himself to clarinet for this project and the subsequent recording and intimate concerts have been very well received.