Chris Barber - Take Me Back to New Orleans (LP)

Chris Barber's "Take Me Back to New Orleans" is a vibrant journey through the heart of jazz, swing, and ragtime, released in 2011 under Bell Records. This 20-track album spans an impressive 1 hour and 54 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of musical styles that showcase Barber's mastery as a trombonist and bandleader. The album opens with the lively "A New Orleans Overture," setting the stage for a series of energetic performances that include classics like "Bourbon Street Parade," "Mood Indigo," and "Harlem Rag." Barber's collaboration with Das Große Rundfunkorchester Berlin adds a symphonic depth to tracks like "Concerto for Jazz Trombone and Orchestra," blending jazz with orchestral arrangements. The album also features a mix of instrumental and vocal tracks, with songs like "Take Me Back to New Orleans" and "Under the Bamboo Tree" highlighting Barber's versatility. With its infectious rhythms and timeless melodies, "Take Me Back to New Orleans" is a celebration of jazz tradition, offering both new and longtime fans a chance to experience the magic of Chris Barber's music.