Description
As in other countries that have supped from the originating US fermentation, jazz in its infinite variety in the UK has generally been more a delight for a minority audience than music for the masses. However, over the years key singers, musicians, band-leaders break into the mainstream. Smith&Co already has in catalogue authoritative 2CD retrospectives of Chris Barber (SCCD1140), Ken Colyer (SCCD1141), Humphrey Lyttleton (SCCD1142) and Acker Bilk (SCCD1144). Now followed by this second volume of Mr Barber's outstanding contribution to the Brit music gumbo.
Still pumping and packing 'em in at the grand old age of 83, trombonist, occasional random vocalist and inspirational bandleader Chris Barber is one of the outstanding (if often overlooked by Joe Public) movers & groovers in the UK jazz scene of the last 60 years. Originally inspired by US Dixieland and ragtime recordings he became a broad church guru; fundamental to the UK skiffle movement of the 1950s that sparked off many a beat group into 60s success; instrumental in helping to bring US bluesmen and jazz players to Europe; incorporating blues, gospel and broader forms of jazz into his repertoire. All of which is joyously evident in this second Smith&Co tribute to one of the UK's premier jazzers.