ALTRINCHAM raised Alan Barnes is one musician who has never forgotten his roots.

Now based in London, the saxophonist/clarinetist is coming home to play a gig at Bowdon’s Cinnamon Club and lead a big band workshop at his old school.

The affable artist, who has worked with the likes of Bryan Ferry and Bjork, also remembers cutting his performing teeth at the Malt Shovels pub in Altrincham, once a popular venue for jazz fans.

“It’s such a shame they don’t have music there now. It was unique - it should have some sort of preservation order put on it,” he says.

Alan may have worked with some of pop’s biggest names but jazz has always been his first love and he has enjoyed an extensive recording career of his own. It all began when he heard a recording of Stranger On The Shore, by the legendary Acker Bilk, when he was a child.

“That made me want to get a clarinet. So I asked my dad and he got me one,” says the former Altrincham Grammar School for Boys pupil.

Musical trends come and go. Jazz, however, is one musical genre that never goes out of fashion and it has certainly provided Alan with a very good living. Rick Bowen * The Cinnamon Club presents the Alan Barnes Quintet, supported by the Altrincham Grammar School for Boys Big Band, on July 2 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from 0161 926 8992 and further information is available from www.thecinnamonclub.net