Will Barnes Quartet, Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s, Soho, London.

Date: Tuesday, July 07, 2026

Featuring: Will Barnes Quartet

Venue

Ronnie Scott’s, London

47 Frith Street
Soho, London
W1D 4HT

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this event;

Will Barnes Quartet Bring Acclaimed Outside the Light to Upstairs at Ronnie’s
Tuesday 7 July 2026 | Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s, London

Following a breakthrough year that has seen widespread critical acclaim for their second album Outside the Light, the Will Barnes Quartet will make a highly anticipated appearance at Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s on Tuesday 7 July 2026.

Led by guitarist and composer Will Barnes, the quartet has emerged as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary British jazz, blending lyrical improvisation, evocative storytelling and a deep connection to the landscapes and folklore of Mid Wales. Their latest album, Outside the Light, released on Cambrian Records, has been praised as a significant artistic step forward, earning four-star reviews and recognition for its increasingly individual compositional voice.

The quartet features:
 Will Barnes – guitar, composer
 Jack Gonsalez – piano
 Aidan Thorne – bass
 James Batten – drums

Drawing inspiration from Celtic mythology, seasonal change and the shifting qualities of natural light across the Welsh Marches, Outside the Light explores the relationship between landscape, memory and imagination. The music moves seamlessly between richly melodic passages, contemporary jazz improvisation and moments of cinematic atmosphere, creating what All About Jazz described as “a soundscape of shimmering textures.”

Speaking about the project, Barnes explains:
“I initially set myself a brief to write eight pieces that reflect the changing seasons in our landscape here in Mid Wales. As the pieces started coming together, the project evolved, and I drew influence from Celtic folklore. The theme of seasons morphed into themes of light and dark - in particular how the change in light throughout the seasons alters our perception of the landscape and how this has influenced folklore. Each piece is written with a particular place, feeling or story in mind, and I’ll endeavour to share some of those stories at our live shows”.

Critics have responded enthusiastically to the quartet's evolving sound:

“sophisticated stuff in the contemporary vein… the playing by all concerned is immaculate throughout.” — Jazzwise

“The quartet’s most adventurous recording to date… increasingly individual and distinctive writing”— The Jazz Mann

“;All four musicians support each other as they navigate the intricacies of Barnes’ intriguing compositions.” — Jazz Views

“The band is in full creative flow… a soundscape of shimmering textures” — All About Jazz

Barnes’  own musical journey adds a distinctive perspective to the quartet’s sound. Having developed his career through gypsy jazz, bebop, folk traditions and even a background as a devoted heavy metal listener, his writing draws on a broad range of influences while remaining rooted in melody and narrative. Recent features have highlighted his transition from early inspirations in Django Reinhardt and Wes Montgomery to a more contemporary aesthetic informed by artists such as Pat Metheny and Brad Mehldau.

The quartet has performed at leading venues and festivals across the UK, including PizzaExpress Jazz Club Soho, Hay Festival, Brecon Jazz Festival and BBC Radio 4’s Loose Ends. Their live performances have earned a reputation for combining tight ensemble interplay with a sense of exploration and spontaneity that brings Barnes’ compositions vividlyto life.

Their appearance at Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s places the group in one of London’ s most intimate and acoustically refined listening rooms, providing the ideal setting for music built on nuance, interaction and storytelling. Following the venue’s recent redevelopment, the space has quickly established itself as a showcase for emerging and established artists presenting music in a close-up, immersive environment.

For audiences discovering the quartet for the first time, and for those who have followed their journey from Source of the Severn to Outside the Light, this performance offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Britain’s most compelling contemporary jazz groups in a setting designed for attentive listening.

Will Barnes Quartet
Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s
Tuesday 7 July 2026
Doors: 6:30pm