Alex Garnett - Serpent (2011)

Alex Garnett has been one of the leading saxophonists in the UK and Mainland Europe for over two decades, with an instantly recognizable sound and facility on his instrument that has gained him widespread appeal with fans as well as respect from fellow musicians. A versatile player and first call sideman, he has enjoyed success as both a professional jazz artist, composer and arranger, and an in demand session, studio and commercial saxophonist, having racked up countless recording credits along the way.

A ubiquitous performer with many of the UK's leading bands, he is also a regular sideman of choice for many of the top visiting American artists when touring in Europe, and has himself performed worldwide appearing at such venues as The Blue Note, Birdland, as well as the Perugia, North Sea, Vittoria, Montreax, and Oslo Jazz Festivals to name but a few, with artists such as Sir John Dankworth, Wynton Marsalis, Pete King, Humphrey Littleton, The Rolling Stones, Scott Hamilton, Van Morrison, as well as with his contemporaries Gareth Lockrane, Seamus Blake, Phil Robson, Michael Janisch and Joel Frahm.

It's very rare that an artist as renown and prolific as Garnett (he's also regarded as an inventive composer and arranger) waits until his 40th year to release his own solo record, but even that wasn't planned. What was a routine pilgrimage to NYC ended up his debut album Serpent, the result of a lucky chance to grab some last minute studio space with some of his musician friends who happened to be in the city at the same time. Recorded at Systems Two Studios, the album features drummer Willie Jones III, Anthony Wonsey on piano and double bassist Michael Janisch and showcases eight spirited original compositions full of melodic and harmonic twists from the leader. With the arrival of Serpent Garnett establishes a solo career as a saxophonist and composer of standout originality.

Alex Garnett - tenor saxophone
Anthoney Wonsey - piano
Willie Jones III - drums
Michael Janisch - double bass