Modern British Jazz icon Guy Barker is ringing in his 8th consecutive year at the Royal Albert Hall in his Big Band Christmas series.
“Whisper it quietly, but this could just possibly be the start of a new tradition.” – Sebastian Scotney
Modern British Jazz icon Guy Barker is ringing in his 8th consecutive year at the Royal Albert Hall in his Big Band Christmas series.
On it’s first time round, it practically sold out the famous hall. Of course, going for Christmas classics is a guaranteed seller, but Barker’s mix of tired favourites and unfamiliar gems strikes the perfect balance for all attendees.
The strengths however come in the arrangements. In an arrangement of All The Way a few years back, Barker began unaccompanied before being joined piece by piece, all coming together for an uplifting confluence of joy.
Christmas music can often burn your ears, especially if played incessantly at full blast in a rammed-to-the-walls shopping centre, but conversely, when performed by one of Britain’s greatest jazz artists, in styles and fashions somewhat unfamiliar to the ear of the layman, it can also be the most direct way to plunge you into the Christmas spirit.
Give it a punt, bring your family; I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.