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Inspired by the King Oliver Creole Jazz Band, Chris formed his first Barber New Orleans Band in 1949 at the age of nineteen. In 1953, along with Monty Sunshine and Lonnie Donegan, he joined forces with Ken Colyer. Then, with the replacement of Colyer by Pat Halcox, Ken Colyer's Jazzmen became Chris Barber's Jazz Band in 1954 and has been one of Europe's most successful traditional jazz bands ever since. Jazz Legend, Chris Barber, celebrates his 67th Anniversary as band-leader in 2016 with a Europe-wide concert tour. Inspired by the 'King Oliver Creole Jazz Band', Chris formed his first Band in 1949 at the age of nineteen and has since gone on to become not only Europe's most successful and influential bandleaders, but a bona fide jazz legend. With his 10-piece band, featuring a 7-strong front line, Chris plays a selection of his favourite music: from his roots in New Orleans style in 'Bourbon Street Parade' to the early music of Duke Ellington and Sidney Bechet ... before going back to 'When the Saints'! The Big Chris Barber Band website.