In 1954, trombonist
Chris Barber became a full-time bandleader, and he has had his own group ever since. The original unit, one of the first English trad bands, is well featured on a wide-ranging show at this concert, which has been reissued along with three previously unreleased tracks on a 1995 Storyville CD. The
Barber band (with trumpeter Pat Halcox, clarinetist
Monty Sunshine, who is showcased on "St. Philip Street Breakdown," and
Lonnie Donegan on banjo, guitar and vocals) was more primitive than it would become, often looking at the time toward
George Lewis' group for inspiration. A change of pace is heard on two selections that have
Donegan singing folk songs ("Over In the New Burying Ground" and "Leavin' Blues") with
Barber forming a duet by switching to bass. A historic release, although there are better
Chris Barber CDs currently available. ~ Scott Yanow