by Scott Yanow
This CD features the 1968 Chris Barber band playing music that ranges from English trad to early Duke Ellington and even some gospel numbers. The trombonist/leader, his longtime trumpeter Pat Halcox and John Crocker (on clarinet and alto) form a potent frontline for spirited renditions of such numbers as &Royal Garden Blues,& &Saratoga Swing,& &Wild Cat Blues& and Johnny Hodges's &Sweet as Bear Meat.&