As regular readers know, we love our jazz (in many forms) so when we get a quartet album led by a jazz guitarist that's celebrates the source of a river in Wales, let's dive in.
Just two years on from 'Source Of The Severn' (see review HERE), these guys are still obsessed with bodies of following water which really suits Barnes' fluid guitar playing style.
Along with Jack Gonsalez (piano), Aidan Thorne (bass) and drummer James Batten their aim is to "homage to jazz greats such as Wes Montgomery, Pat Metheny and Oscar Petterson, while forging a distinct voice rooted in contemporary expression".
There's definitely a Metheny/Montogomery this second album grows into "jazz improvisation and the evocative landscapes of Mid Wales and the Welsh Marches" so the eight tracks are very much modern and contemporary.
'Never Done' is a high speed take on what could have been West Coast jazzers and highlights along with the single 'Devil's Bridge' and 'Bloom'. 'Light Of The Beacons' (Ed. Brecon?) is the acoustic exception with Barnes starting and the band joining in mid-way through; very nice chill out mixtape/soundtrack potential; kind of fits the album artwork and is current favourite.
The band have an extensive tour to support the album release (Ed. Crickhowell is a lovely town with a nice pub on the river) and I'd get your tickets soon: Oh! anything for the jazzdance back room? Get ya spats on 'Otherworld'!
Upcoming dates:
07.11.25 - Oriel Davies, Newtown (LAUNCH EVENT)
12.11.25 - Aberystwyth Arts Centre
14.11.25 - SpArC, Bishop's Castle
15.11.25 - Llanbedr Village Hall, Crickhowell
05.12.25 - Upfront Arts Venue, Penrith
09.01.26 - Corn Exchange Jazz, Ross-On-Wye
10.01.26 - Jazz at St Giles, Oxford
23.01.26 - Barmouth Music
24.01.26 - Hay Castle, Hay-On-Wye
25.01.26 - The Hub @ St Mary's, Litchfield
29.01.26 - Davenham Jazz
30.01.26 - Norwegian Church, Cardiff
07.02.26 - Isbourne Arts, Cheltenham
08.02.26 - The Stables, Milton Keynes (lunchtime show)
08.02.26 - Pizza Express, Soho (evening show)
PS. the great cover artwork is by landscape artist Erin Hughes.
Artist: Will Barnes Quartet
Title: Outside the Light
Release date: 7th November, 2025
Label :Cambrian Records
Catalog Number : CAM033
Format: Vinyl / Digital / Outside the Light | Will Barnes Quartet
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