The longtime trumpeter in Chris Barber's popular trad jazz band (who he first played with in 1953), Patrick Halcox appeared on a countless number of records with Barber, contributing a solid Dixielandish lead and excellent solos. Halcox had piano lessons early in life, took up the trombone while serving in the Royal Air Force, and switched to cornet (later trumpet) shortly after his discharge. As a part-time player he was a member of the Brent Valley Jazz Band and the Albermarle Jazz Band during 1950-1954. He became Ken Colyer's replacement with Barber's group in 1954 and played regularly with the trombonist until retiring in 2008. Through the years he also had occasional opportunities to record with a variety of other top players including Don Ewell and Art Hodes. He never veered from his love for classic jazz and mainstream. Halcox's only opportunities to lead his own record dates resulted in a few titles for Columbia in 1960, a Plant Life album in 1980 and a Jazzology CD in 1989. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi