The Belper Jazz Company presents Alan Barnes at No.28, Belper.

The great British alto saxophonist Alan Barnes makes his No.28 debut – we can’t tell you how excited we are to have Alan join us live in Belper!

Alan Barnes is a highly acclaimed international performer, composer, and bandleader, celebrated for his exceptional skills on the clarinet, alto, and baritone sax. With a career spanning over three decades, his remarkable virtuosity and collaborative spirit have made him a “first call” musician for both studio and live performances.

A prolific recording artist, Alan has released more than 30 albums as a leader or co-leader. His extensive session work includes collaborations with a diverse range of artists, from pop legends Björk and Bryan Ferry to jazz icons like Jools Holland and Jamie Cullum. He has also toured and performed with renowned musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard, Ruby Braff, and Warren Vaché.

In the world of British jazz, Alan has been recognized by many greats, including Stan Tracy and Humphrey Lyttelton. He has also built strong collaborations with contemporaries like David Newton and Martin Taylor. His dedication to the craft and engaging rapport with audiences have earned him numerous accolades, including over 25 British Jazz Awards and the title of BBC Jazz Musician of the Year on two occasions.

Critics praise his unique style, with The Guardian noting that he “infuses [music] with so much passion and energy you could believe it was minted on the spot,” while BBC Music Review highlights his melodic sense that “bypasses the usual scale-running clichés.”