Jazz Articles about Patricia Barber

Patricia Barber: Nightclub

by Mathew Bahl
October 1, 2000

The harping of rigid purists or self-proclaimed visionaries aside, the enduring strength of jazz has always been its ability to accommodate both tradition and innovation. Patricia Barber has done plenty of experimenting on albums like Café Blue, Modern Cool and Companion. Her smartly crafted originals and reinventions of rock tunes like “Light My Fire” and “The Beat Goes On” have earned Ms. Barber a much deserved reputation as one of the most unique and interesting singer/songwriter/pianists in jazz. Having found ...

Patricia Barber: Companion

by Jim Santella
November 1, 1999

As one who has absorbed the jazz art form and expanded upon that by blending her unique delivery with other known styles, singer/pianist Patricia Barber reaches out and grabs the cerebral element in her listeners while keeping the swing alive. Her lyrics leave a considerable heap for the listener to reflect upon, while her soft, whispering, slow grind delivery impresses from a jazz and blues perspective. A double major in classical piano and psychology at the University of Iowa, Barber ...

Patricia Barber: Modern Cool

by Eric Saidel
March 1, 1999

“Ironic detachment" is the phrase of the day. Barber is a writer of the social realist school; she presents to us snapshots, deftly characterized, of urban life. Her stance is that of the disinterested observer, drinking it all in, but not commenting on it. Or so she would have us believe. Behind that detachment we can hear her commentaries: we can hear her sneering at those who commodify art, putting on and taking off styles depending upon what is cool; ...

Patricia Barber: Modern Cool

by Glenn Astarita
December 1, 1998

Patricia Barber's “Modern Cool" will most certainly be included in numerous polls and Top 10 lists for 1998. Patricia Barber is exhibiting all the characteristics of becoming a major force in the jazz community. The accolades have been substantial and overwhelming. Vocalist and composer Patricia Barber is a hip, sleek and cunning stylist who demonstrates impeccable intonation, phrasing and nuance.

Patricia Barber covers standards such as: “You & The Night & The Music" and The Door's “Light My Fire", invoking ...