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115
Album Review

Barbara Montgomery: Noel: One from the Heart

Read "Noel: One from the Heart" reviewed by Jim Santella


Barbara Montgomery sings this slow and somber program of Christmas songs with piano accompaniment in a manner suited to the spiritual meaning of this holiday season. It's a time for reflection, for giving, for sharing, and for being there when our loved ones need us. Her prayerful interpretations leave us with humble tidings that weigh heavily on the holiday mood. Forget about jingling bells, Santa Claus, and visions of sugar plums. Consider instead the responsibility that we all bear at ...

185
Album Review

Barbara Montgomery: Trinity

Read "Trinity" reviewed by George Harris


Along with the maternal instincts of Nnenna Freelon and Carmen Lundy, add Barbara Montgomery, who delayed a singing career to raise a family. Chalk one up for motherhood, as this CD of originals and '70s compositions reflects a woman with something to offer.

Equipped with a husky voice (think Benny Carter's alto with lyrics), Montgomery simmers through a set of moody, reflective, and serious pieces. Evoking emotions similar to Branford Marsalis' Eternity, Trinity is more a tone poem ...

150
Album Review

Barbara Montgomery: Trinity

Read "Trinity" reviewed by Stephen Latessa


Trinity is an ambitious affair. It definitely takes some gumption to fashion an album from five originals and works by Leonard Cohen, Stevie Wonder, Van Morrison, and Cahn/Styne and hope that it will all hold together. Oh, and did I mention there is a song in French, too?

Surprisingly, Philadelphia-based vocalist Barbara Montgomery and her main collaborator, Aaron Graves, do a fine job of making such a disparate group of sources sound like they are all of a ...

119
Album Review

Barbara Montgomery: Trinity

Read "Trinity" reviewed by Michael P. Gladstone


Trinity is a very dramatic and theatrical effort that thematically strives to present all aspects of the human spirit, both positive and negative. Singer Barbara Montgomery has a dramatic and theatrical presentation, and her smoky voice is a fine way to deliver her messages on many of these mournful songs. One can easily describe her as being a chanteuse who would most likely be performing in a cabaret setting. On the album's sole standard, “I Fall In Love Too Easily," ...

144
Album Review

Barbara Montgomery: Little Sunflower

Read "Little Sunflower" reviewed by Dave Nathan


With just two exceptions, Barbara Montgomery's new album relies entirely on her own compositions, many of which she collaborated on with her long time accompanist Barry Sames. The two exceptions are carry overs from her previous album Dakini Land which paid tribute to the compositions of Chick Corea and Neville Potter. The purpose of this album is one of providing therapy from the terrible events of September 11 and its aftermath. Consequently, the material on this session is very serious ...

202
Album Review

Barbara Montgomery: Dakini Land

Read "Dakini Land" reviewed by Dave Nathan


Barbara Montgomery, who has embraced Buddhism, takes the music and words of Chick Corea written mostly with Corea's long time collaborator Neville Potter, as well as her originals, and turns them into not only a tribute to Corea, but an exultation of a place in the Buddhist tradition, Dakini Land, a place in time that celebrates the female spirit. Montgomery and cohorts present musical themes designed to create images of possible experiences in this celestial place. There's happiness with a ...

142
Album Review

Barbara Montgomery: Dakini Land

Read "Dakini Land" reviewed by AAJ Staff


Barbara Montgomery’s recordings may not be retailed in vast quantities, and thus they may not be immediately available to listeners who enjoy enlightening jazz singing. But her latest recording, Dakini Land, is worth seeking. Perhaps suffering the ironic plight of Diana Krall--that is, that her physical appeal distracts from the perception of her inherent vocal talent--Montgomery leaves no doubt about the depth of her insight or commitment in this album, which focuses on the often overlooked vocal potential of Chick ...

133
Album Review

Barbara Montgomery: Dakini Land

Read "Dakini Land" reviewed by Jim Santella


A tribute to Chick Corea, Barbara Montgomery's latest album surrounds her rich voice with a cast of veteran artists. Pianists “Father John" D'Amico and Barry Sames carry out their duties admirably, honoring Corea without copying. Six of his compositions are explored on this session, while several Montgomery & Sames collaborations honor the pianist with echoes of his work. Montgomery's rich contralto voice laments Corea's “Crystal Silence" with characteristic soul. Tenor saxophonist Chris Farr offers a heartfelt interlude. “The Reason Why" ...

98
Album Review

Barbara Montgomery: Ask Me Now

Read "Ask Me Now" reviewed by Randy McElligott


One listen to Barbara Montgomery's voice and I guarantee you will fall in love all over again. This outing is perfect for late night listening. Barbara not only entertains us with her deep, husky warm voice, but her phrasing and ability to convey a mood is displayed throughout all ten selections. Her band supports her with gentle backing and beautiful accompaniment. Not since Helen Merrill or the late Sarah Vaughan has there been a vocalist who can not only convey ...


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