Anthoney Wonsey, Piano
Willie Jones III, Drums
Michael Janisch, Bass
Alex Garnett, often referred to as 'Son' or 'Sonny' has been one of the leading saxophonists in the UK and Mainland Europe for over 2 decades, being instantly recognized by his dark, husky sound. He's one of those players that everyone knows about and has deep respect for, who can do anything from the most burning straight ahead to free improvisation. A hugely versatile musician and first call sideman, he has enjoyed success as both a professional creative jazz artist, composer and arranger, and an in demand session, studio and commercial saxophonist, having racked up countless album sideman and recording credits along the way. Easily performing over 200 events a year with many of Europe's leading big bands and creative jazz ensembles, he is also a regular sideman choice for many of the top visiting American jazz artists when touring in Europe, and has himself performed in over 30 countries worldwide appearing at such prestigious venues as the Blue Note, Birdland, as well as the Perugia, North Sea, Vittoria, Montreax, and Oslo Jazz Festivals to name but a few, with varied and diverse artists across the spectrum such as Sir John Dankworth, Wynton Marsalis, Pete King, Humphrey Littleton, Scott Hamilton, Van Morrison, and The Rolling Stones, as well as with his contemporaries Gareth Lockrane, Seamus Blake, Phil Robson, and Joel Frahm, to name only a few.
Although Alex has accumulated one of the most impressive biographies of any saxophonist in Europe of his generation, he has yet to release his own solo album-- until now. As of April 6th, advance copies are now available here on this site as well as on his forthcoming UK tour in support of it's release (generously supported by Jazz Services and Arts Council England). Official store/digital release dates will be made known shortly.
Recorded in NYC at the famed Systems Two Studios, 'Serpent' features one of the world's most sought after jazz drummers, Willie Jones III, the swinging accompaniment of Anthony Wonsey on piano, and bassist extraordinaire Michael Janisch, while showcasing 8 contemporary original compositions from the leader himself, with stellar performances by all on board. What became a yearly routine pilgrimage to the Big Apple ended up a chance to record an album, and Serpent is what came out as a result. It's very rare that an artist of Garnett's ability waits until his 40th year to release his own album-- this will surely prove to be one of the most highly anticipated debuts in years in the UK, and will showcase Garnett's playing, composing and arranging skills as a leader, further solidifying why he is in constant demand across the genres as one of the Europe's premier and respected saxophonists.
