From the Barber New Orleans Band in 1949, to Ken Colyer's Jazzmen, then Chris Barber's Jazz Band in 1954, then Chris Barber Jazz and Blues Band, and now (since 2001) The BIG Chris Barber Band. Over 60 years and 10,000 concerts, one of Europe's most successful traditional jazz bands, and still going strong.
Hip Parade are a four-piece rock band from Glasgow, Scotland. They shot to fame is 2008 in the Channel 4 show Orange UnsignedAct. The band performed a cover of New Order's 'Blue Monday' which won the praise from the shows judges including Alex James of Blur who told the band it was his all time favourite song. Hip Parade have been playing the underground scene for almost 7 years without being picked up. The band are now playing sold out shows across the UK.
Free Peace is a three-piece rock band formed in August 2008 by Liverpool music maverick Edgar Jones, who writes the material, sings and plays bass. His nephew Nick Miniski is on drums and Stuart Gimblett plays lead guitar.
Their sound is loud and heavy but contains a lot of soul. Led Zep are a definite influence but The Jimi Hendrix Experience and the New Orleans soul sound are in there too. Like the great rock bands of the late 60s Free Peace is all about respecting the traditions of jazz r'n'b and soul music - something which Edgar feels a lot of the modern bands just don't do.