THE monthly series of lunchtime jazz concerts in the upstairs Studio at the Gala has proved to be a great success with performances regularly selling out.

That was the case for this opening concert in a new series with Alan Barnes, on a flying visit to the region, accompanied by one of the finest young pianists in the North-East.

Despite the fact that this was the first time they had appeared as a duo, it was clear from their first number that there was a musical rapport and mutual respect.

With Barnes on alto saxophone they opened with You stepped out of a dream, and after the opening statement began to play with each picking up quickly on the other’s phrases, as they did throughout the programme.

Variety was provided both in the selection of songs and rhythms and also in Barnes’ instruments with baritone saxophone on I’m old fashioned and One note samba and clarinet on Have you met Miss Jones and For Bill, an original composition by Edis.

Moonglow was as good an example as any of the concert’s pleasures with a tremendous introduction by Edis before Barnes began on clarinet playing with the softest tones at first, then inserting some brief Benny Goodman quotations before switching to baritone.

A quick return to alto saxophone brought a swinging West Coast Blues with another Edis composition, Lines, as an encore to end a most enjoyable performance.

The next concert in this series is by the Graeme Wilson Quartet on Friday, October 17; box Office 03000 266600.

Peter Bevan