Alan Barnes & David Newton: 'Tis Autumn

You may have heard of the 10,000-hour rule, perhaps from Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers, where he describes how it takes around 10,000 hours of intensive practice to master complex skills like playing the saxophone or the piano. That amounts to around 20 hours a week for a decade. Imagine, then, the calibre of performance that saxophonist Alan Barnes and pianist David Newton have attained. Having met as teens studying at Leeds College of Music in the 1970s, they have been performing duets together for more than 40 years. They released their first album, the aptly named Like Minds (Fret Records), in 1994. Their degree of proficiency is demonstrated in the album 'Tis Autumn, where a set of nine standards thoroughly showcases their empathy, foresight and musical ability.

In addition to his work with Barnes, Newton's playing and compositions have been featured on many jazz recordings, numerous TV movies and West End plays. An exquisite soloist and accompanist, he is perhaps best known as an accompanist for Stacey Kent, with whom he recorded and toured for over 10 years. In 2019, he was voted 'Best Jazz Pianist' for the sixteenth time in the British Jazz Awards.

Barnes' versatility across alto and baritone saxophone, arranging and clarinet categories has also been recognised multiple times at the British Jazz Awards. He is a popular figure amongst British audiences and has an extensive back catalogue. His remarkable range has led to him working with artists as varied as Freddie Hubbard, Bryan Ferry, Humphrey Lyttelton and Björk. Barnes utilises a variety of reed instruments on the album: alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, together with clarinet and bass clarinet.

The album opens with Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Brigas Nunca Mais." Newton's piano sets up the bossa nova rhythm for a gently soaring Barnes solo. Newton's piano break takes over before the two combine to bring a positive ending. Barnes moves to an alto sax for Burt Bacharach's 1964 tune "A House Is Not A Home." He wrings every ounce of emotion from the slowly unfolding tune as Newton's lush piano phrases gradually merge the tune into "Alfie," a tune Bacharach cited as his favourite.

Jay Gorney's "You're My Thrill" dates from 1933. It has seen many covers over the years, from Chet Baker to Diana Krall. There is no reinvention here. After Newton's tasteful introduction, Barnes' sax is slow and eloquent as they give the song space to breathe. The title track, written by Henry Nemo, gives the duo a chance to impressively explore the delightful melody and illustrates the superb timing they share. Leonard Bernstein's "Lucky To Be Me" is a highlight as Newton sparkles and Barnes flows with a hint of a jaunty air around the melody as the lead voice effortlessly changes.

Highlights among the remaining tracks include "A Bientôt," in which Barnes brings the right note of regret, and "London By Night," which has a mellow swing as the duo explores the nuances of the tune. These songs date from over 60 years ago and, like the musicians, they have stood the test of time. It is often said of jazz musicians that they can share a telepathic understanding. Perhaps it might be closer to the truth to say that what they share is experience, which is certainly the case here. Maybe the best time to listen to this intimate record is late at night with a glass of something suitable. It offers exceptional interplay and wonderful timing from a pair whose understanding has evolved into the kind of mastery that only time can create. The YouTube footage (below) gives a flavour of the duo's relaxed playing in a live setting.

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