Alex Garnett has been one of the leading saxophonists in the UK and Mainland Europe for over two decades, being instantly recognized by his dark, husky sound. A versatile musician and first call sideman, he has enjoyed success as both a jazz artist, composer and arranger, and an in demand session, studio and commercial saxophonist, having racked up countless recording credits along the way.
A ubiquitous performer with many of Europe’s leading bands from underground to pop, he’s a regular sideman of choice for many visiting American artists when touring in Europe, and has performed in over 30 countries worldwide appearing at such 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, Evan Parker and The Rolling Stones, as well as with his contemporaries Gareth Lockrane, Seamus Blake, Phil Robson, Michael Janisch, Joel Frahm, and more.
Although Alex has accumulated one of the most impressive biographies of any saxophonist in Europe of his generation, he did not release his own solo album until the age of 40 in September of 2011. Recorded in NYC at Systems Two Studios, Garnett’s debut album Serpent features drummer Willie Jones III, Anthony Wonsey on piano, and bassist Michael Janisch, while showcasing eight original compositions from the leader. The album proved to be one of the most anticipated debuts for years in the UK, winning universal acclaim by press, fans and musicians alike.
As of late Garnett can be seen at his weekly late-night residency at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho every Monday and Tuesday while not touring, and released his second album with his new band ‘Bunch of Five’ in January of 2015. Titled Andromeda, it features long time musical associate and fellow tenor saxophonist Tim Armacost, pianist Liam Noble, bassist Michael Janisch and drummer James Maddren.
HIGHLIGHT PRESS QUOTES
“Garnett has all the individuality, skill and stamina every star soloist needs, and his debut album as leader is an impressive affair.”
The Evening Standard
“[Serpent] reveals a compositional sharpness that makes this new solo career look like a long-term one… full of exhilarating melodic turns… it’s an unexpected gem.”
**** 4 Stars, The Guardian
“Alex Garnett has a classic saxophonists sound, and on ‘Serpent’ he fronts an impeccable band.”
Cuadernas de Jazz (Spain)
“[Garnett] confidently molds a personal voice out of the best of the contemporary mainstream on his first, somewhat belated album as a leader… with a deep-tone, soulful spontaneity and an impressive sense of form.”
**** 4 Stars, The Financial Times
“Garnett’s trip to NYC in 2009 paid off…what we hear on this disc is something jazz is supposed to offer but seldom does these days.”
Jazz Journal
“These musicians don’t chase fashion. They are what they are, and do what they do as well as anyone. It [Serpent] has been worth the wait.”
London Jazz
“A thoroughly enjoyable and refreshingly unpretentious album, unfussily recorded in what sound like first takes, so that the overall effect is of a hot live performance.”
London Jazz
“[Serpent] impresses on numerous levels, including the quality of Garnett’s writing, the playing skills of the individual muscians and the way in which they lock in together as a unit…a belated but emphatic debut for Garnett as bandleader, who reveals himself to be wild, hip and cool in turn.”
All About Jazz
“Garnett confirms jazz as one of the most renewable of energies with a very clever, grooving reworking of ‘When The Saints Go Marching In’ (here renamed Atonement), revealed his and his band’s mastery of Latin American and bebop rhythms and tempos, and encouraged a collective free improvisation that resolved into consummate jazz ballad playing.”
Scotland Herald
“Garnett is a first call sideman to the stars.”
JazzWise Magazine
“Garnett has a great muscular style and a rich, gritty tone.”
The Jazz Breakfast
