It was in 1968 that Chris Barber and Richard Hill first had the idea for their Traditional Jazz In An Orchestral Setting. The first opportunity to bring their ideas to fruition was granted by Karl Heinz Drechsel of the Kuenstler Agentur. The first concerts were in Berlin in 1986, featuring Chris's and Richard's own composition Concerto for Jazz Trombone and Orchestra.

Later in 1988 saw the performance of their work Jazz Elements. As Chris says, "Each movement seeks to encapsulate one of the basic original styles, which together make up what we call Traditional Jazz. The orchestral part in each case is built up from phrase, rhythms, and harmonic constructions particular for the style in question." At the concerts other favourite jazz pieces, such as Mood Indigo, Harlem Rag, and Ice Cream were played.

In January 2005, Chris and the Band will be appearing with the Sjællands Symfoniorkester under their conductor Giordano Bellincampi. There will be six concerts, the first in Copenhagen on 7 January. Chris's and Richard's Concerto for Jazz Trombone and Orchestra will be included, together with other pieces.