Revised and Updated
Sept. 2023 Edition
Creating a detailed discography for a band that has released numerous studio and live recordings is not only highly beneficial but also essential. It serves as a comprehensive and organized documentation of a band’s musical journey, showcasing its evolution in sound, style, and musical diversity over time. A detailed discography provides invaluable information about band members, recording dates, album covers, tracklists, and additional notes. It helps in navigating through various releases, formats, and editions such as vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, or Blu-rays, making it an indispensible tool for cataloging and managing collections. Furthermore, it offers music collectors and enthusiasts a treasure trove of information, making it particularly helpful for newcomers exploring a band’s extensive back catalogue. These fundamental observations about the importance and value of a discography are especially pertinent to Chris Barber and his music. Throughout his extensive musical career – whether performing solo, with his bands, or as a guest with other bands – Barber has consistently released studio and live recordings. The task of compiling and updating the discography for his music has been entrusted to the renowned Dutch discographer Gerard Bielderman for many years. He started with an initial edition focusing on vinyl 2 records. Then, approximately fifty years ago, Gerard collaborated with Julian Purser, the official archivist of the Chris Barber Band, to produce further editions of the discography. Since Julian Purser’s passing in 2009, Gerard has assumed sole responsibility and has diligently produced numerous updated versions. The latest edition, revised and updated as of September 2023, was published last year.
A Life in Music – CHRIS BARBER DISCOGRAPHY 1949 – 2018
compiled by Gerard Bielderman & Julian Purser
EUROJAZZ DISCOS No. 100
 |  |  | |
The new edition, presented in A5 format with a metal ring binder, spans 204 pages. It commences with information on consulted sources, contributors, and abbreviations used. The heart of the book is the discography itself, covering the period from 1949 to 2018. It begins with Barber‘s first four recordings in London on October 11, 1949, and concludes with his final recording in London on December 3, 2018 (from page 3 to page 160). Each entry in this comprehensive compilation, 3 focusing on vinyl records and CDs, provides precise details about the band, recording location, date, and the participating musicians, along with instrumentation for each track recorded during the session. Track titles are listed alongside details such as label, catalogue numbers, and additional notes, as appropriate.
However, the new discography doesn’t merely offer information on Chris Barber and his bands’ recordings. To enhance usability and accessibility, Gerard Bielderman has incorporated several additional chapters and illustrated the book with numerous photographs spanning almost every stage of the band’s history. These include (from page 161 to page 200):
– An index of guest artists with the Chris Barber (Jazz) Band, – Titles of vinyl 7 “ EPs, and 10 “ and 12 “ LPs (organized by label and illustrated with record covers),
– CD album titles (organized by label and illustrated with CD covers),
– Personnel of the various bands with details about their periods of membership,
– A tune index, listing all recorded titles alphabetically with references to the respective vinyl or CD releases.
Finally, the book features photographs of Gerard Bielderman with Julian Purser, Chris Barber and Pat Halcox, as well as an overview of Gerard’s discographic work.
To summarise, this new discography serves as an indispensible resource for anyone interested in the music of Chris Barber and his bands.
Please note that the CHRIS BARBER DISCOGRAPHY 1949 – 2018 will not be sold via this website. For all requests, please, contact Gerard Bielderman who gives all further information and payment details:
gerard.bielderman{at}telfort.nl
http://gerardsdiscos.jimdo.com
See further information on the Chris Barber Discography here.
Dr. Peter Brennecke, March 31, 2024