Description
Chris Barber was born in Welwyn Garden City in 1930. His early years saw him learning to play forceful but subtle and highly disciplined trombone, as well as very solid double bass. With a natural ability for composing and arranging, as well as a flair for leadership, Barber formed his first band in 1948, recording early in 1951 as Chris Barber's Washboard Wonders.
During 1953 trumpeter Ken Colyer led the band for a few months before forming his own outfit. He was replaced by Pat Halcox. With Monty Sunshine (clarinet), Lonnie Donegan (banjo, guitar, vocals), Jim Bray (bass) and Ron Bowden (drums), this line-uo came to be regarded as the classic Barber Band.
This double CD is the definitive collection of Chris Barber's best work from the immediate post war period up to 1958. Undoubtedly the greatest Trad - Jazz period in the UK.