Patricia Barber
Verse

THE REVIEW

Patricia Barber has been breathing jazz since childhood, given that her father, Floyd "Shim" Barber, played the saxophone in Glenn Miller's orchestra. But unlike many reckless children of art, she has managed to carve out an important space among jazz interpreters.
In recent years, she has recorded a series of very interesting albums. See, for example, her particular interpretations of some standards in the 2000 CD "Nightclub".

"Verse" represents, however, a turning point for the singer-pianist, as it presents, for the first time, ten original tracks written by Barber herself (with the sole exception of "Dansons la gigue" whose lyrics are taken from a poem by Paul Verlaine), which highlight the achievement of her complete artistic maturity.

It is not an easy album, but once you get past the initial impact, you seriously risk falling in love with it.
Its stylistic structure is not uniform. It ranges from ethereal, nocturnal settings (The moon), to almost pop sounds (Lost In This Love), up to notes soaked in mystery (Clues), melancholy, and reflection (If I Were Blue).
Barber's hypnotic, clean, penetrating voice perfectly adapts to the context.

The musicians accompanying her are excellent, particularly Neal Alger on the guitar and Dave Douglas on the trumpet, who manage to leave an indelible mark with their solos and during the dialogues with Barber's voice.

Perhaps "Verse" is an album more suited to the autumnal climate changes than these now summery sunny days. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful record, thanks especially to the refinement and poetry of the performer.