THERE are some shows which immediately fall on to the must-see radar for me and the scheduled appearance of legendary jazz star Chris Barber and his Big Band at Newport Riverfront was certainly one of those.

Barber and his smartly-attired 10-strong band gave a sparkling performance recalling the fabulous New Orleans-inspired tunes of Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong in their set list as they did back in 1955, but it was clear the energy and enthusiasm was still there as the cool jazz sounds of Take Me Back To New Orleans and Down On Blue Street reverberated through the Riverfront theatre.

The band’s rendition of Petite Fleur featured a performance that was ultimately owned by the clarinet until the whole band joined in again to bring it to a climax. “That is what we call in our trade a medley of our hit,” Barber joked afterwards, referring to the fact it was his only UK singles chart entry in 1959.

If the first half featured traditional jazz numbers, much of the second half was given over to the blues, much of which Barber helped bring to the UK from America in the 1950s. One particular highlight was the band rendition of Corn Bread Peas and Black Molasses which had a classic pop feel to it.  

The concert drew to a close with When The Saints Go Marching In followed by Ice Cream and Rock My Baby Roll. A fabulous evening comprising the best in jazz and blues, it was an evening of music I will remember for a long time to come.