The autobiography of trad icon, the influential trombonist and bandleader Chris Barber, is to be published next year. Jazz Me Blues, written with Nilsson biographer Alyn Shipton, is to be issued by Sheffield-based Equinox Publishing, who have released details of the book, and published its cover on their website. Hard gigging Barber, 83, who appeared at Ronnie Scott's club in Soho just last night details in the book "candid" aspects of his life in music, and Jazz Me Blues' contents include chapters on the Ken Colyer period, the Marquee club, and "taking trad to America." The book is due in March 2014, and is published as part of Equinox's long-running popular music series. SG

The cover of Jazz Me Blues, left