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Latest News2024-03-28T17:59:23+00:00

Whipsmart Women Kick off Chicago’s 45th Jazz Festival

The 45th Chicago Jazz Festival kicked off its headline events with two erudite individuals, Esperanza Spalding and Patricia Barber. Both worldly, wordy intellectuals, they’re also groovers, sensualists, bad-asses.

Night two of the fest tasted barbs from Barber, who claimed she hadn’t been invited since 1992. (In fact, she last appeared in 2002.) Barber alleged her first appearance was heralded by a warning not to sing originals, which she summarily ignored. Originals made up the lion’s share of this rare and substantial set, which comprised six self-penned pieces, several from the ’90s (“Like JT,” “Touch Of Trash,” “Company”) and five standards, if jazz police will permit Sandy Denny’s “Who Knows Where The Time Goes?” and “Black Magic Woman.” The latter she waxed live at the Green Mill […]

Chicago Jazz Fest gives established beacons and rising stars a chance to shine

Singer-songwriter and pianist Patricia Barber was singing about that same technoskepticism while Spalding was still in high school. “Company,” off her breakthrough 1998 album, got a suave and sophisticated redux on Friday, Barber preparing the Pavilion Steinway to sound like a hollow banjo and Jon Deitemyer holding down the skittering rimshot groove.

No one on the Chicago scene writes music remotely like Barber’s. Who else could reference Hockney, Hopper, Goya and Picasso without eliciting eyerolls (from 2002’s “If I Were Blue”), or write couplets like “Do you think of me like salt? / Do you taste me in your tears?” (from 2008’s “Snow”)? Or smuggle progressive jazz — those lancelet-sharp lyrics, on a canvas of fuzzed-out guitar and progressive harmony — in lounge-listening sheep’s clothing?

And yet: […]

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.

– Singersroom.com

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.

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


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