This concert at the new Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot was an opportunity for well-known local clarinettist Alvin Roy to put together a session with some of the best ‘mainstream’ players in the country. The star of the show was undoubtedly saxophonist Alan Barnes (pictured) followed by pianist David Newton and veteran of the scene, trombonist Roy Williams. Bass player Harvey Weston has great presence, while replacement drummer Martin Guy worked his apprenticeship many years ago and remains sharp and precise. In many ways these are not all mainstream players. Alan Barnes has a huge discography including recordings with the likes of Clark Tracey and Tony Kofi. He has the individuality and technical prowess to shine a light on a wide spectrum of jazz. Even in the narrower confines of a selection of well-recognised standards, he is able to push the harmonies into unexpected corners while injecting his characteristic bursts of speed with perfect timing and wonderfully precise double tonguing.

David Newton, who has recorded with Barnes, also has the ability to clearly make his own mark on the music. He has the control and imagination to stand back from the flurry and reassert the bones of a melody before working his way into a solo that, like those of Barnes, makes its own statements with great technical control. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly a duo of Barnes and Newton playing the Billy Strayhorn classic Lotus Blossom, where Barnes stepped delicately through the tune demonstrating perfect control of both tone and phrasing. Roy Williams, with his wonderfully warm stage presence, is also a player with a fine understanding of melody while Alvin Roy performed with his usual speed and panache.

There is a feeling, perhaps more prevalent these days, that people in very shiny shoes cannot play jazz, as if a care for footwear will deduct from the groove. Yet here was a front line of horn players sporting gleaming black shoes and rollicking through two sets of jazz standards with energy and intention. What’s more the Cornerstone Arts Centre has a superb auditorium with excellent acoustics. A real blessing for Didcot.