Jazz fans across mid-Wales and the Marches are in for a treat this winter as the Will Barnes Quartet brings its UK tour in support of their acclaimed new album, Outside the Light, to Hay-on-Wye.

The performance takes place at Hay Castleon Saturday 24 January, with doors opening at 7pm.

Following the success of their debut album Source of the Severn, which earned praise from critics—including “springy deftness… cool precision… serious chops” from MOJO and The Jazz Mann’s description as “evocative, intelligent… contemporary”—the quartet returns with a bold, expressive collection of original compositions inspired by local folklore, Celtic mythology and the richly evocative landscapes of Mid Wales and the Welsh Marches.

Outside the Light showcases the group’s evolution and creative confidence. The album was released on 7 November 2025 and draws on the interplay between jazz improvisation and changing seasons, exploring themes of light, darkness and shifting terrain in ways that reflect the region’s unique character.

The quartet features composer Will Barnes on guitar, Jack Gonsalez on piano, Aidan Thorne on bass, and James Batten on drums.

Speaking ahead of the tour, Will Barnes told UK Jazz News:“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/story in mind. I will endeavour to recite some of the stories behind the pieces at our live shows.”

The band has previously played at Brecon Jazz Festival and Hay Festival.