ONE of the biggest names in international jazz, Chris Barber, returns to the Regent in Christchurch on Sunday with the sensational Big Chris Barber Band.

Chris Barber formed his first jazz band, the Chris Barber New Orleans Band, back in 1949, which included iconic guitarist, Alexis Korner, in the line-up.

In 1953, along with Monty Sunshine and Lonnie Donegan, Chris joined up with Ken Colyer’s Jazzmen. Then in 1954, when Ken Colyer left and was replaced by Pat Halcox, the band became Chris Barber’s Jazz Band. Chris also added to his famous trademark rhythm & blues, by bringing over such American mega stars as Muddy Waters to the UK to perform with his Band.

Today, Chris leads his 10 piece Big Chris Barber Band, which he founded in 2001, all over the world and is renowned as Europe’s finest traditional jazz & blues band.

The Band will be playing a wide selection of Chris’ favourite music, ranging from his famous signature tune, Bourbon Street Parade and Chimes Blue, to the early music of Duke Ellington, such as Black & Tan Fantasy and Jubilee Stomp and Sidney Bechet’s Petite Fleur, which was a worldwide hit for Chris back in 1959. Then there will be a selection from the repertoire of Bob Crosby and The Bob Cats, such as Big Noise from Winnetka and South Street Rampart Parade together with those all-time favourite crowd pleasers like Ice Cream and When the Saints.

Chris’ concert would not be complete without its blues selection, notably Cornbread, Peas and Black Molasses by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, via Joe Zawinul’s Mercy, Mercy, Mercy to All Blues by Miles Davis.

Chris Barber has been a major influence on jazz and blues musicians through the decades and many of them, including Mark Knopfler, Eric Burdon, John Mayall, Bill Wyman, The Stones, Eric Clapton and Van Morrison, have all asked Chris to be a guest with their bands over the years.

Regent, Christchurch

01202 499199