Dale Barlow

Dale Barlow (1960, Sydney, Australia) like Walton was a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, although in the 1980s rather than the 1960s. His father, Bill Barlow, is a tenor -saxophonist so Dale grew up around jazz. As a teenager played with pianist Mike Nock's group, also leading his own quartet and making his recording debut. By the time he was 17, serving as a representative of his generation, Barlow was often teamed with veteran American jazz players who were touring Australia, such as Sonny Stitt, one of his musical heroes. In 1982, Dale first visited the United States, studying with Dave Liebman, George Coleman, Barry Harris, Hal Galper, Bob Brookmeyer and Manny Albam. During this time, which also included periods spent in Amsterdam, Paris and London, Barlow played with quite an array of veteran all-stars including Dizzy Gillespie, Chet Baker, Curtis Fuller, Gil Evans, Jackie McLean, Benny Golson, Lee Konitz and Helen Merrill. In 1989-90 he was a member of the last version of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. He also spent a period as a regular member of the Cedar Walton Quartet. Although he has since returned to Australia, Barlow has continued having a high profile in the jazz world including spending three years as a member of Billy Cobham's group, performing and recording as a leader, and working with Walton on several occasions including this 2000 recording. Dale Barlow is not only a superior tenor-saxophonist but quite skilled on flute, bass clarinet and piano in addition to working as an arranger-composer.