Celebrating visionary British trad-jazz veteran Chris Barber's 80th, this two-disc set includes encounters with Van Morrison, Mark Knopfler, Dr John and Eric Clapton among others – testaments to how influential Barber was for a generation of rockers enthused not only by his dedication to jazz's roots, but also by an unsectarian attitude some purists saw as heretical. Van Morrison's account of trad icon Ken Colyer's Goin' Home is a showcase for him and for long-time Barber trumpeter Pat Halcox, and a magnificently clamorous 1976 version of Oh Didn't He Ramble with Van Morrison and Dr John is one of the standouts – as is the band's tight riffing under the nimble lines of New Orleans clarinetist Albert Nicholas on C Jam Blues. A ruminative Blues Stay Away From Me features Mark Knopfler on guitar and vocals, and a rough cassette-captured jam between the wah-wah-blasting Barber on trombone and r'n'b hero Muddy Waters (whom Barber first brought to Britain in the 50s, when US jazz and blues visitors were rare) is an unexpected treasure. Judging by long-time Barber vocalist Ottilie Patterson's evocative Lonesome Road, however, more representation of this pioneering group's regular road repertoire – and fewer star guests – might have made for a slightly better-balanced tribute.
(Proper Records)
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