|
Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBARBER, Chris(b 17 April 1930, Welwyn Garden City, Herts; d 2 March 2021) Trombone, leader. He led his own band briefly '50; then co-formed a band to be led by Ken Colyer, taking it over '54. His was the first UK combo to appear on Ed Sullivan's TV show in USA '59. Three singles charted during the trad fad in UK '59-62; 'Petite Fleur' reached no. 3, no. 5 in USA. Ironically Barber did not play on the solo vehicle for clarinettist Monty Sunshine, who used a pretty vibrato similar to that of song's composer (in '52) Sidney Bechet, but some ears say that Sunshine's vibrato was close to that of saxophone pioneer Boyd Sentner (b 1899 in Nebraska). Sunshine (b 8 April '28, London; d there 30 November 2010) and Barber appeared in films including Look Back In Anger '59. Among dozens of albums, guests include Colyer, Lonnie Donegan, Dr John (see Mac Rebbenack). |