LEGENDARY jazz musician Chris Barber will be having a blast in Berwick in Northumberland next week when he headlines its popular music festival.

The world-renowned trumpeter and trombonist, joined by the 11-piece Chris Barber Big Band, will be a star attraction at Berwick Jazz Festival 09 which starts its two-day run next Friday.

Barber plays the second night, Saturday, the day after another North appearance - at Gala Theatre, Durham, as part of the BRASS festival – on what’s rumoured to be his last UK tour. Berwick Jazz Festival – hosted at The Maltings Theatre and Arts Centre – offers a chance for music-lovers to tune into the some of the best bands around. The line-up also includes the Glasgow-based Ken Mathieson Classic Jazz Orchestra who, on the Friday, will explore their back-catalogue from the 1900s to 1970s, including styles such as Dixieland, Swing and Bop.

Barber’s concerts, meanwhile, are a rare treat to see a man now celebrating his 60th year as a band leader. In 1949 at the age of 19, he formed his first band, which underwent a couple of incarnations before his current one came into being. During it all Barber has remained faithful to his New Orleans-style roots.

They are now one of Europe’s most successful traditional jazz bands. Next week’s concert will see them perform a selection of jazz, including Barber’s signature tune Bourbon Street Parade as well as music by Duke Ellington, Sidney Bechet, Bob Crosby, and a bit of blues.

For a full festival line-up visit www.maltingsberwick.co.uk or call (01289) 330999. For the July 10 Gala date contact www.galatheatre.co.uk or (0191) 332-4041.