Alan Barnes Octet - A Requiem (2019)

‘A Requiem’ is a jazz and poetry commission commemorating the end of The First World War and subsequent conflicts across a century. It’s an exciting and ambitious commission of new music that brings together the creative imagination of poet Josie Moon and the dynamic composition talents of Alan Barnes and Pat McCarthy.

The music is arranged by Alan for a stellar line-up of jazz musicians: bassist Dave Green, saxophonists Gilad Atzmon and Dean Masser, trombonist Mark Nightingale, drummer Sebastiaan De Krom and trumpeter Neil Yates. It is a bold and challenging work that examines the impact of conflict on individuals across a century, moving but ultimately uplifting and soulful work, which invites the audience to both remember the history of conflict and resolve to do better in the future Alan Barnes 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. Pat McCarthy is regarded as one of the country’s leading jazz guitar players and also an outstanding composer and educator.

Author, poet, composer, musician and singer, the very talented Josie Moon brings as much to the reading of her work as to the writing of it. Her poetry brings to life and compliments the music of ‘A Requiem’.