 He was originally offered the spot earlier, but elected to continue his studies as a research chemist, so Ken Colyer was invited to fill the vacancy in 1953, and the band was known as the Ken Colyer Jazz Band, as Colyer had recently returned from New Orleans, and the other members, including Chris Barber, Lonnie Donegan and Monty Sunshine, decided that this New Orleans experience would add credibility.The band effectively parted company with Colyer after a dispute about its musical direction.Halcox took Colyer's place, in what then become Barber's group, and as the original six piece band eventually grew to eleven members, Halcox remained present.