10 best singers from Illinois
Patricia Barber is a true innovator in modern jazz, creating music that defies convention and captivates with its depth. Born in Schaumburg, Illinois, Barber has spent decades blending traditional jazz with blues, pop, and even poetic lyricism. Her haunting voice and virtuosic piano skills are at the heart of celebrated albums like Café Blue and Modern Cool, which have earned critical acclaim for their sophistication and artistry. What sets Barber apart is her ability to explore deeply intellectual and introspective themes within her music, pushing the boundaries of jazz while remaining true to its roots. A fixture of Chicago’s music scene, Barber continues to challenge and inspire listeners worldwide, proving that jazz is not just timeless but ever-evolving.
Best Singers from Iowa
Patricia Barber is an extraordinary jazz musician known for her introspective, intellectual approach to both piano and vocals. Born in Iowa City, Iowa, Barber grew up immersed in music, honing her craft and developing a distinctive style that blends jazz with elements of blues, pop, and avant-garde. Albums like Nightclub and Modern Cool highlight her ability to reinterpret jazz standards while crafting original compositions that challenge the listener both musically and emotionally. Her sophisticated, moody sound has earned her a dedicated following, and her ability to experiment and evolve has kept her at the forefront of modern jazz. Barber’s music is as much about thought and emotion as it is about technical skill, making her a true standout in the jazz world.
– Singersroom.com […]
Gigwise Top Jazz Singers of the 2000s
Patricia Barber is an American jazz and blues singer-songwriter renowned for her sophisticated compositions and unique arrangements. Her music often incorporates philosophical and poetic lyrics, setting her apart in jazz.
- Major Albums: Cafe Blue, Modern Cool, Smash
- Major Achievements: Multiple jazz awards, known for blending jazz with avant-garde elements.
Howard Reich Interview & Solo Concert
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 @ 7PM
A special evening – interview with Howard Reich followed by a solo performance and meet-and-greet.
Tickets at wintersjazzclub.com.
An Evening w Patricia Barber at The Acorn
Friday, Apr. 26, 2024 @ 7:00pm ET
Renowned Chicago jazz pianist Patricia Barber brings her inventive style to Three Oais for a night of original material from her lengthy songbook, as well as covers of jazz standards. The conert is a fundraiser for the School of American Music’s Future Fund, its 10 year campaign to build an endowment to secure SAM’s future. All gifts are matched by the Michigan Arts Foundation.
Tickets at: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35261/production/1146880?performanceId=11205649
November Tour of Europe
Patricia Barber
Neal Alger on guitar
Emma Dayhuff on bass
Greg Artry on drums
Nov 3, 2023 – Paris @ The NEW MORNING
Nov 6, 2023 – Wroclaw @ Ethno Jazz Festival Synagoga Pod Białym Bocianem
Nov 7, 2023 – Budapest @ Hotel Aria (special private concert)
Nov 9, 2023 – Budapest @Jazz Fest Budapest
Nov 11, 2023 – Vienna @ Porgy and Bess
Nov 12, 2023 – Madrid @ TEATRO FERNAN GOMEZ-Centro Cultural de la Villa
The Premonition Years 1994 – 2002 Box Set
CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT
Includes:
Over 190 minutes of music featuring “Best of” tracks culled from Barber’s five records for Premonition during the 1994-2002 period
5 Bonus tracks never before released on CD including “My Funny Valentine,” “Fool on a Hill,” “You Are My Sunshine,” “So What,” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
With Barber, featured artists include Charlie Hunter, Marc Johnson, Dave Douglas, Joey Baron, Adam Nussbaum, among others
3 CDs broken up into distinct listening experiences. Programs include: Patricia Barber Pop Songs, Patricia Barber Standards, Patricia Barber Originals
Classic Audiophile recordings
High-Resolution Re-mastering from original analog sources
Extensive liner notes by noted jazz critic Neil Tesser
Beautiful Slip case packaging by Steve Byram including original watercolor cover
Mythologies
SOLD OUT
In 2003, acclaimed singer-pianist Patricia Barber became one of the few jazz musicians ever to be awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, and she took the opportunity to create one of the most ambitious and affecting works of her career. Embarking on a bold, exciting musical adventure, Barber brings her compositional sophistication to new heights with Mythologies, a song cycle based on Greek mythology where each of the 11 mythological characters in Ovid’s Metamorphoses is fleshed out in music.
Patricia Barber – piano & vocals
Neal Alger – Guitar
Michael Arnapol – Bass
Eric Montzka – Drums
With special guests: Jim Gailloreto saxophone (tracks 1, 2, 10); […]
Live: France 2005
DVD featuring performances of:
– Dansons La Gigue
– Gotcha
– Witchcraft
– Rehearsal
– Pieces
– Norwegian Wood
– Call Me
– Blue Prelude
– Whiteworld BUY DVD
The first ever DVD featuring live performances, interviews and rehearsal footage of Patricia Barber. This DVD is only available here at Patricia’s official website and at Patricia Barber concerts!
Patricia Barber – piano & vocals
Neal Alger – Guitar
Michael Arnapol – Bass
Eric Montzka – Drums
Produced by Patricia Barber
Directed by I. Michael Toth for Life Is a Dream Productions
Released:
Live: A Fortnight in France
1 Gotcha
2 Danson La Gigue
3 Crash
4 Laura
5 Pieces
6 Blue Prelude
7 Witchcraft
8 Norwegian Wood
9 White World
10 Call Me SOLD OUT
Patricia Barber – piano & vocals
Neal Alger – Guitar
Michael Arnapol – Bass
Eric Montzka – Drums
(Blue Note Records – 2004)
Released:
Verse
BUY CD
Patricia Barber – vocals, piano, Fender Rhodes
Neal Alger – guitars
Michael Arnopol – bass
Joey Baron – drums (1-4, 6-10)
Dave Douglas – trumpet
Eric Montzka – drums (5)
Cliff Colnot String Ensemble (2)
(Blue Note/Premonition Records – 2002)
Released:
Nightclub
SOLD OUT
Patricia Barber – vocals, piano
Michael Arnopol – bass (5, 9, 10)
Adam Cruz – drums (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11)
Charlie Hunter – 8-string guitar (4, 6, 11)
Marc Johnson – bass (1, 2, 3, 7, 8)
Adam Nussbaum – drums (1, 2, 3, 7, 8)
Produced By Patricia Barber
Executive Producer: Michael Friedman
(Blue Note/Premonition Records – 2000)
Released:
Companion
SOLD OUT
Patricia Barber – piano, vocals, Hammond B-3
Michael Arnopol – bass
John McLean – guitar
Eric Montzka – drums/percussion
Ruben P. Alvarez – percussion
Jason Narducy – guest vocalist on “Touch of Trash”
(Premonition Records – 1999)
Released:
Modern Cool
TRACK LISTING
1 -Touch Of Trash
2 -Winter
3 -You & The Night & The Music
4 -Constantinople
5 -Light My Fire
6 -Silent Partner
7 -Company
8 -Let It Rain
9 -She’s A Lady
10 -Love, Put On Your Faces
11 -Postmodern Blues
12 -Let It Rain – Vamp BUY CD
Patricia Barber – piano, vocal, table knives on strings
Michael Arnopol – bass
John McLean – guitar
Mark Walker – drums, percussion, prepared drum kit
Dave Douglas – trumpet
Jeff Stitely – udu
Choral Thunder Vocal Choir
(Premonition Records – 1998)
Recorded and mixed at
Chicago Recording Company
Studio 5, Chicago, IL on
January 6th-9th and February 26th, 1998
Produced By Patricia Barber
Executive Producer: Michael Friedman
Released:
Cafe Blue
BUY CD
Patricia Barber – vocals, piano
Michael Arnopol – bass
John McLean – guitars
Mark Walker – drums, percussion, body parts
Recorded and mixed at
Chicago Recording Company, Studio 5
Chicago, IL on
June 28th-30th and July 1st, 1994 Produced By Patricia Barber
Executive Producer: Michael Friedman
(Premonition Records – 1994)
Released:
A Distortion Of Love
Patricia Barber – piano, vocals
Wolfgang Muthspiel – guitar
Marc Johnson – bass
Adam Nussbaum – drums, shakers, cheap shoes, finger snaps
Carla White – finger snaps
Big Kahuna – finger snaps
Recorded on November 25th-27th & 29th, 1991
Produced by Brian Bacchus
(Antilles Records – 1992)
Released:
Split
TRACKLIST
-Early Autumn
-Greys
-Alone Together
-Spy Sly
-Easy To Love
-Too Late Now
-Winter Illusion
-Retrograde
-Two For The Road
-Then I’ll Be Tired Of You
Patricia Barber – piano, vocals
Michael Arnopol – bass
Mark Walker – drums
(Floyd Records – 1989)