Will Barnes Quartet

Off the back of their critically acclaimed album Outside the Light (Cambrian Records) and sell out UK tour, the Will Barnes Quartet return to Cardiff. Drawing inspiration from local folklore and Celtic mythology, the album explores themes of light, seasons and changing landscapes. This second album deepens the group’s exploration of the interplay between jazz improvisation and the evocative landscapes of Mid Wales and the Welsh Marches.
Led by guitarist and composer Will Barnes, the quartet features pianist Jack Gonsalez, bassist Aidan Thorne, and drummer James Batten—an ensemble recognised for its tight chemistry and compelling live performances. Their sound pays homage to jazz greats such as Wes Montgomery and Pat Metheny, while forging a distinct voice rooted in contemporary and cinematic jazz.

Outside the Light showcases a group in full creative stride, offering audiences an immersive evening of modern jazz that’s both emotionally resonant and musically sophisticated.
★★★★
“It’s sophisticated stuff in the contemporary vein [and] the playing by all concerned is immaculate throughout”
Peter Jones, Jazzwise

“Their music has great depth, constructed with painstaking attention to dynamics and clarity, and erupting into dark, explosive sections of powerful drama.”
John Watson, UK Jazz News

“The band is in full creative flow on this album, fusing images of natural beauty into a soundscape of shimmering textures.”
Neil Duggan, All About Jazz