Jazz Articles

Barbara Adamson: Now Is the Time

by Dave Nathan
October 1, 2000

By ordinary standards, Barbara Adamson has taken up the tools of jazz relatively late in her vocal career. Now in her late 30's, Now Is the Time is her debut album. Adamson has chosen a play list of standards sprinkled with a couple of Bop tunes. A heavy diet of familiar material notwithstanding, she freshens it considerably with some interesting, modern arrangements. They are ordered in a such way as to emphasize the contrast in delivery and arrangements She also ...

Barbara Adamson: Now Is The Time

by Joel Roberts
February 1, 2000

San Francisco-area vocalist Barbara Adamson's approach to jazz is straightforward and straight-ahead. Her debut recording, Now Is the Time , is a relaxed, confident effort that demonstrates the (too-often overlooked) value of restraint and moderation in jazz singing.

Relying on a clear, expressive voice and dramatic reading of lyrics, Adamson, backed by a fine trio (plus occasional sax, trumpet and flute), puts her personal stamp on a dozen nicely arranged standards. She's equally at ease on ballads and up-tempo numbers, ...