For 4 years Alan was principal clarinetist with Humphrey Lyttelton's band, and at the same time was leading The Pizza Express Modern Sextet and Playing with the BBC Radio and Big Band Orchestras. As well as prolific session work, arranging and playing on films, and jingles such as the Tetley bitter adverts, Alan has also won many awards and toured extensively both at home and abroad.
Winning both the alto and clarinet sections in the British Jazz awards 5 times, he also scooped the winning place in the baritone section 3 times, as well as being BBC Jazz instrumentalist of the year in 2001 and winning album of the year for "Cannonball", a live session recorded with Manhattan quartet.
Recording with such artists as Ken Peplowski, Tony Coe, Warren Vache, Brian Ferry, Bob Wilber, Kenny Baker and Conte Candoli, in both duet and band environments.
More recently, Alan has played in America, Japan and South Africa and has also set up his own record label, Woodville records. he is still busy making new albums and is using his own label to release some fabulous older sessions, such as "Better Late Than Never" recorded in 1993 with Dave Newton and his highly acclaimed band.
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CDs
Days of wine and roses.
If you could see me now.
Cannonball.
Summertime.
Girl talk.
A dotty blues.
Thirsty work.
Young hands old minds.
Trouble.
Thirsty Work.
Memories of you.
Below zero.
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Alan Barnes
Alan Barnes was born on 23rd July 1959 in Altringham, Cheshire UK. He studied clarinet and woodwind at Leeds College of Music, where he met the pianist Dave Newton who became a life long friend and recording partner. Between 1980/86, he toured with bands such as The midnight Follies, Pasadena Roof Orchestra and 3 years with Tommy Chases band. In the mid 80s he recorded 4 albums with the Jazz Renegades, a band he formed with the drummer Steve White.