The Big Chris Barber Band

Chris Barber’s legacy to the British and European music scene started with a love of 1920s American jazz and blues. Together with Trumpeter, Ken Colyer (who was one of the first British players to make it to New Orleans and play with the “Old Guard” of American Jazz Musicians.)

Chris’s band aimed to reproduce the New Orleans sound as authentically as they could. This became the beginning of the British “Trad Jazz” scene. After Ken and Chris parted company, Chris and members of his band were also responsible for the introduction of many American blues artists to Britain in the 50s and 60s including Muddy Waters, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The 80s saw a collaboration with Dr John with the Chris Barber Jazz and Blues Band, leading to Chris’ appearance at Glastonbury in 2010 as a guest with the Dr John Band.

He was involved in the foundation of the Reading Jazz & Blues festival and was also co-owner of The Marquee Club which saw the start of many of Britain’s most famous bands. Over the years the band has featured some of Britain’s best jazz and blues musicians including Lonnie Donegan, the original Banjo/Guitar player who started the Skiffle craze playing during the intervals of the Jazz concerts. Pat Halcox (who replaced Ken Colyer on Trumpet) and Chris hold the record for the longest jazz partnership at 54 years.

Chris retired in 2019 after 70 years of touring continuously in Britain, Europe, and America and passed away in 2021 aged 90.

Comprising of 9 of Britain’s finest Jazz musicians, his band are continuing his musical legacy, performing a selection of classic Barber repertoire ranging from Trad through Blues to Ellington and Miles Davis. The programme features Barber classics such as Petite Fleur, Bourbon Street Parade and When The Saints Go Marching In. Plus a journey through many of the other genres that the band has explored over the years.