Originally from Manchester, Johnny has been voted many times winner of the Baritone Saxaphone category of the British Jazz Awards and has also appeared in the American Downbeat Poll.A long time member of the Alex Welsh and Humphrey Lyttleton bands, he has had partnerships with famous British jazz artists including Roy Williams and Mike Cotton. He has toured extensively with many great stars in Britain, Europe and the USA including appearing at the famous Newport Jazz Festival. He recorded under his own name and featured on recordings with Buddy Tate, Ruby Braff, Henry “Red” Allen, Bud Freeman and Wild Bill. He has appeared on national TV and Radio, one of his recordings being used for the signature tune for BBC Radio Jazz Score. Singing is part of his repertoire and his great sense of fun can be seen and heard in his vocals.
John Barnes is an old mate of mine and is a terriffic guy.
Good luck John ans Pat.
Barry
Barry
Trying to get in touch with John and Pay after long time.
Can you help?
I’m at harrypatonevans@mac.com.
Thank you ….. In anticipation.
Humphrey Lyttleton had an interesting succession of baritone players – I can remember seeing both John Barnes and Joe Temperley with him at different times and I think John Surman came in a bit later.
I was his neighbour and so were my grandparents for years he’s a great guy and his wife Pat was lovely to.
Listening just now to a CD of his which just arrived in the mail – “Gruesome Twosome” with trombonist Roy Williams. It’s anything but gruesome! Beautiful playing all ’round. As well as baritone, John plays bass clarinet & soprano saxophone. I particularly liked “Tea For Two” with the out-of-tempo verse.
John O’Connor,
I remember seeing Johnny at the Goat in St Albans in the 1960s and his fantastic rendition of BIG MOUTH that is a number with Alto sax and soprano sax at the SAME time,
a fantastic sound.