RENOWNED British jazz trombonist Chris Barber is bringing his big band to test out the acoustics in the newly refurbished art deco gem of St George’s Hall in Pinner View this December. Chris is a pioneer of the trad jazz revival of the 1950s and the skiffle craze of the mid ’50s, which inspired a generation of youngsters to play guitar. Chris formed his first band in 1949 at the age of 19 and went on join forces with Lonnie Donegan, Monty Sunshine and Ken Colyer in 1953. He formed the Chris Barber Jazz band a year later and played a major part in the later rhythm and blues revival, arranging the first UK tours for American greats such as Big Bill Broonzy and Muddy Waters. More recently his performances with The BIG Chris Barber Band have included big band as well as trad jazz material.

The concert is to mark the refurbishment of the building’s art deco first floor auditorium. Grade II listed St George’s Hall was built in 1929. It was designed by architect Cyril Farey (1888-1954). Farey was also the leading architectural artist of his generation, responsible for the presentation of major inter-war schemes by other architects such as Edwin Lutyens and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Rev Stephen Keeble, Vicar of St George’s Church, Headstone, which owns the hall, said:

"The art deco character of the auditorium has been obscured for decades. It is now revealed in a period-inspired colour scheme including the stage curtains and the Canadian maple floor, returned to its original light honey tones. We hope that new chandeliers, coming from the United States, will arrive in time for the concert. We are delighted to be able to celebrate the rejuvenation of this stylish jazz age space with period music by jazz legend Chris Barber. There are still tickets available but we are expecting a full house: I’d advise those interested to apply quickly".

St George’s Hall, Pinner View, Harrow, Saturday, December 3, 7.30pm. Details: 020 8863 8937, email megpointer@supanet.com