Consummate saxophonist Alan Barnes has put together an exciting rhythm section that he hadn't played with previously for 'One for Moll' - pianist Barry Green, bassist Adam King and drummer Mark Taylor. They perform a mixture of standards and original compositions, with Barnes sticking to alto saxophone throughout. Forty years on, he's still using the same instrument he received for his 15th birthday.
Alan gives the lowdown on his bandmates: "Mark Taylor and I go back many years. In fact, he played on my first quartet album in 1987. Since then he has made New York his home where he has been very successful performing with many great artists including Lew Tabackin, Monty Alexander, Toshiko Akioshi and George Coleman. It was fantastic to renew our musical acquaintance; he swings even more these days.
Adam King on bass is a relative newcomer but has all the attributes of a fine player. The first time I played with him I asked him to call a tune and he came up with a great song "I've Told Every Little Star"; an unusual choice for a youngster and indicative of an already formidable repertoire. Adam has great time and is an impressive soloist.
I'd played a few times in duo settings with Barry Green so knew how good a musician he was. However, it was after witnessing his brilliant performance with Andrew Cleyndert's band at the Titley Festival a couple of years ago that I knew I wanted to record with him. Barry is a real improviser not a regurgitator of learnt licks. His playing is never predictable."
Personnel: Alan Barnes (alto saxophone), Barry Green (piano), Adam King (double bass), Mark Taylor (drums)
