Alan Barnes - 'Tis Autumn (2024)

There is a reflective quality to this latest duo release from the award-winning reedman Alan Barnes and pianist David Newton.

The first appositely titled 'Like Minds' appeared thirty years ago but their association dates back far beyond that to when the two were teenage room mates at Leeds College of Music.

The maturity and wisdom illustrated on 'Tis Autumn', however, is firmly of the kind that can only be learned by experience. It's a beautifully wrought recital of empathic world class jazz. Each seems now to be able to anticipate the others moves with nary a nod of direction.

Newton continues to combine taste, touch and innate harmonic sense in the manner of the perfect accompanist while Barnes, whether piping a clarinet ballad or simply letting the majestic weight of his baritone sax's sound carry a song plays with touching candour. Tenor saxophone and bass clarinet are also featured but it is his alto - once upon a time peppered with allusions to others but now utterly personal - which draws the listener in with its tonal detail and commanding poise.

Neither man hides here, either behind profligate showmanship or substandard material. Captured in up close audio, this is an album that has an affecting eavesdropping quality to it.

And, although each has been a gem in its own right this, with its carefully programmed set bookending bosses, ballads, Bacharach and Bernstein is Barnes and Newton's best outing yet.

Alan Barnes alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, clarinet and bass clarinet. David Newton piano