Saxophonist David Barrows has assembled a band of the UK’s top session musicians to produce a concept album which in very real terms affects all of us – our extinction. Though the jaunty, catchy melody of lead-track, “Apocalypso”, may suggest otherwise, this is an album with very serious messages for us as individuals to act NOW to prevent the extinction of our species and the destruction of our planet. Thematically bleak and troubling, but with musical depth and flair, ‘The Species That Knew Too Much’ is a project which has never had more resonance, likely to both inspire and provoke in equal measure.

The mastermind behind ‘The Species That Knew Too Much’ is David Barrows – saxophonist, composer, lyricist, producer and activist. Born in LA, though now firmly rooted in London, David is tackling the issues facing Mankind head-on, from climate-change, destruction of habitats and species to rampant nationalism, misogyny and violence. No punches are pulled but the combination of powerful lyrical content and musical tonality which veers from jazz to rock to blues, makes a striking impact which is immediately engaging.

From a suitably creative background – his aunt wrote the 1967 number hit, “Windy”, by The Association, whilst his parents were top writers for television in Hollywood on shows such as ‘Mission Impossible’ and ‘Bonanza’ – David studied jazz saxophone under the tutelage of Blue Note recording artist Joe Henderson.

Having recorded a series of albums under his own Hounds of Renown Records, David has seen his work featured in film, theatre and even the Lego Island computer game. Describing his latest work as a “Dark Side of the Moon for the Age of Extinction”, the album is preceded by “Apocalypso”, a track which offers a glimmer of hope as the clock ticks down. A percentage of the proceeds of the album will go to Extinction Rebellion.