An award-winning American saxophonist and composer presents the UK premiere of one of his works in Welwyn Garden City this evening.

Patrick Cornelius will be performing While We’re Still Young, featuring songs inspired by the children’s poetry of A.A. Milne, at Herts Jazz Club on Sunday night with his octet.

Originally commissioned by Chamber Music America as part of their 2012 New Jazz Works programme, the suite pays tribute to the classic whimsical adventures of Christopher Robin from Milne’s 1924 collection When We Were Very Young, all the while giving a nod to timeless composers like Duke Ellington, Gil Evans, Thad Jones, and Debussy.

It provides the members of an all-star ensemble plenty of space for development and expression.

After a decade in New York City, Texas native Cornelius has cultivated an impressive body of work as a leader and performed his original music in some of the world’s top jazz venues.

Hailed as “self-assured” and “resourceful” by the New York Times, and “extraordinary” by DownBeat Magazine, Cornelius has released six albums as a leader, and performed with a wide cross-section of established masters.

Joining him in Screen 2 of the Garden City Cinema complex at Campus West will be Steve Fishwick on trumpet, Alex Garnett on tenor and bass clarinet, trombonist Nick Vayenas, Phil Robson on guitar, pianist Steve Hamilton, Michael Janisch on bass and Andrew Bain on drums.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and advance tickets cost £3 students, £10 members, £13 concessions and £14 full.

The price is more on the door. Walk-ups are £5 students, £12 members, £15 concessions and £16 full.

* Book online at www.hertsjazz.co.uk/gigs.html