New Patricia Barber Album Out in August

Patricia Barber’s last album, 2000’s Nightclub, was a collection of standards. Perhaps to maintain a bit of balance in her discography, the vocalist/pianist will release a new CD of completely original material on Aug. 27.

Entitled Verse, the new album features trumpeter Dave Douglas, and drummer Joey Baron, guitarist Neal Alger, bassist Michael Arnopol and drummer Eric Montzka. And one track has the Cliff Colnot String Ensemble contributing string atmospherics.

Though Barber’s piano isn’t missing on the album, Douglas’ trumpet and Alger’s guitar are more prominent. Barber doesn’t take a back seat to her sidemen, of course; her singing and songwriting are the focus of the album. “Verse is an album about songwriting,” she says. “Even though there are elements of classical and alternative pop in the music, this is a recording that acknowledges the art form of jazz. I’ve been drawing a careful picture of that with my earlier albums, embracing both originals and covers with one distinctive sound. I’ve been pushing the boundaries of performing standards; on this album, I’m doing the same with my own songs.”

For those with a Barber jones they can’t wait until late August to fix, Mobile Fidelity has just released two Barber classics, Modern Cool and Café Blue in hi-fi SACD format, playable on all CD players, but experienced best in the new format.

Originally Published May 22, 2002