Fêted UK saxophonist and clarinettist Alan Barnes celebrates his 60th birthday by releasing a themed 1959 album.

Eleven classic compositions from 1959 arranged by trombonist Mark Nightingale are included, compositions by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Horace Silver and Gerry Mulligan among others. 

On the record Barnes (alto and baritone saxophones, clarinet and bass clarinet) is joined by Pat White (trumpet), James Copus (trumpet and flugelhorn), Mark Nightingale, Gordon Campbell (trombone), Howard McGill (alto saxophone and clarinet), Robert Fowler (tenor saxophone, clarinet and bass clarinet), Andy Panayi (tenor saxophone, flute and clarinet), Mick Foster (baritone saxophone and bass clarinet), Robin Aspland (piano), Sam Burgess (bass) and Matt Skelton (drums).

Look for it on Woodville Records to be released on 12 July. Barnes plays this year’s Scarborough Jazz Festival on 20 September.