I think she's brilliant! So talented, so versatile, particularly her arrangements on standards. I must admit at first I didn't get her music but as I listened more I became to appreciate her talent not only as a musician but also as a singer. The quality of her recordings are outstanding. I only said to my wife the other day, how bout for my birthday we travel to the US and see Patricia Barber live. I live in Fiji.
Patricia Barber In Concert
I had a chance last week to see Patricia Barber at a small club here in Ann Arbor, The Firefly. I haven't seen her perform in more than five years, so the show was something of a reintroduction to her quirky style. The band was a quartet - piano, guitar, bass and drums. Interestingly enough at the show I saw she chose to feature the guitarist, Neal Alger, as the principal soloist. Fortunately he's a very fine, tasteful musician. He played both electric and acoustic guitar. Michael Arnopol provided fine bass support as did the percussionist (I didn't get his name). They really performed well as an ensemble. My strongest impression of the show is how good a vocalist Ms. Barber is. She has a beautiful voice and really knows how to use it to different effects. I know some people find her music a little to cool and restrained, but I am always struck by how playful and adventurous she is when performing. She's an artist with a capital A!