British jazz icon CHRIS BARBER was (indeed is) a true pioneer…bringing jazz, blues, skiffle and gospel to the jaded post war UK music scene. Indeed a certain John Lennon and his first band, the Quarrymen owe more than just a little to the trombonist and band leader. Chris Barber has enjoyed a successful 65 year career and he’s just (maybe reluctantly) announced his retirement. To celebrate the man’s huge achievements The Last Music Company have just released ‘MEMORIES OF MY TRIP’ a 2 CD, 31 track which collects together a set of Barber’s rare collaborations with artists like Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee, Eric Clapton, James Cotton, Ottilie Patterson, Lonnie Donegan, Keith Emerson, Andy Fairweather Low, Rory Gallagher, Edmond Hall, Jeff Healey, Jools Holland, Paul Jones, Mark Knopfler, Van Morrison, Dr. John, John Slaughter, Albert Nicholas and Muddy Waters.
The album is named for the opening track which features acoustic blues man Brownie McGhee and tells how in the 50s Barber and his band along with guests like McGhee would criss cross the country spreading the blues and jazz gospel. Other highlights include the Muddy Water’s led take on ‘Kansas City’ and the Van Morrison/Dr John/Chris Barber sombre version of the traditional gospel song ‘Oh Didn’t He Ramble’.
