Live: A Fortnight in France by Patricia Barber

19 May

Written by Shawn Salmon
font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Patricia Barber continues to prove she is a jazz artist with a vision and a true passion for her art. Live: A Fortnight In France is her newest 2004 release for Blue Note Records. It is a collection of live shows recorded during her 2004 tour through France. This is her eighth recording since her 1989 debut Split (Premonition Records). It is also her second live; the other is the critically acclaimed Companion (Premonition Records, 1998). Each new release continues to have strong new original material as well as enjoyable renditions of some of jazz’s most well traveled standards.

On the latest release Patricia and her quartet introduces three new originals, two songs from her 2002 release "Verse", as well as five great covers. Patricia Barber’s compositions, particularly her vocals, are one of jazz’s most unique and freshest sounds to hit the scene in some time. The first track, "Gotcha", starts the album asking the audience if "you ever think a piano could fall on your head?" and continues to dig into ones inner fears and anxieties. The entire time her band lays down a slow groove that grabs you by the toes and refuses to let go. Of the three originals "Whiteworld" is by far a standout. The samba is the first part of and 8-song cycle of which will be recorded later in its entirety. With very fine playing from all her musicians and outstanding solos from guitarist Neal Alger, Live: A Fortnight in France is a welcomed addition to Patricia’s already outstanding discography. The album takes the listener on an emotional, thought-provoking ride while keeping your foot tapping the whole time.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Patricia Barber
CD Title: Live: A Fortnight in France
Genre: Jazz Vocals
Year Released: 2004
Record Label: Blue Note
Tracks: Gotcha, Dansons La Gigue!, Crash, Laura, Pieces, Blue Prelude, Witchcraft, Norwegian Wood, Whiteworld, Call Me
Musicians: Patricia Barber (vocals/piano), Neal Alger (guitar), Michael Arnopol (bass), Eric Montzka (drums)
Label Website: http://www.bluenote.com
Rating: Four Stars