Chris Barber to play at The Brindley in Runcorn

Oct 27 2011 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

ONE of the country’s best-known jazz trombonists comes to Halton when Chris Barber appears at The Brindley next month.

Chris Barber is celebrating his 62nd year as band leader this year.

Inspired by the King Oliver Creole Jazz Band, Chris formed his first Barber New Orleans Band in 1949 at the age of just 19.

In 1954, along with Monty Sunshine, Lonnie Donegan and Pat Alcox he formed the first ever Chris Barber Jazz Band and has been one of Europe’s most successful traditional jazz bands ever since.

As well as scoring a UK top 20 trad jazz hit, he also helped the careers of many musicians, notably the blues singer Ottilie Patterson, who was at one time his wife, and vocalist/banjoist Lonnie Donegan, whose appearances with Barber triggered the skiffle craze of the mid 1950s.

Barber will lead his 10-piece band with its seven-strong front line, playing a wide selection of his favourite music.

Barber and his band take to the stage at the award-winning arts centre on Monday, November 21 at 7.30pm

Tickets are on sale now priced £18.50 from The Brindley box office on 0151 907 8360 and online at www.thebrindley.org.uk