Help: I have no Patricia Barber; is that good or bad?

ted_b · « **on:** 17 Apr 2008, 05:34 pm »

I know, I know, I need to make my own decisions. But for some stupid reason I've been going along in life assuming her records are kinda like the old half-speed mastered Amanda McBroom vinyl ones.....nicely recorded audiophille demo pieces, but you would never play them when wanting to actually listen to real music. I thought the same of Holly Cole until I finally opened Temptation about 2 yrs ago (it was sitting unopened on my rack for years prior). I love her Tom Waits interpretations, and although Craig Street's production is fantastic and supremely well-recorded, it doesn't ruin the music....

I'm less of a fan of some of Holly's more mainstream-produced albums, but I return to Temptation quite often.

So, I'm taking part in the Live album thread this morning and noticed that Chris and a couple others who's musical tastes I admire listed Patricia Barber's live album as a fave. It then reminded me to take a relook/listen on Rhapsody, and noticed she has a boatload of albums (only a few of which are available to listen via Rhapsody). Sooooooo, the questions arise:
* Which are her best, musically, in your opinion, and are they also sonic gems too?
* Does she have different styles throughout her career, so sampling one doesn't mean you'll like/dislike another period?
* If any of the above are hirez (she has quite a few SACD, DVD-A) are they worth it vs redbook. (I am a big hirez fan; another anomaly as to why I've never bought a Patricia barber disc before...weird?).

Thanks.....
Ted

giantsteps · « **Reply #1 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 05:42 pm »

Quote from: ted_b on 17 Apr 2008, 05:34 pm

I know, I know, I need to make my own decisions. But for some stupid reason I've been going along in life assuming her records are kinda like the old half-speed mastered Amanda McBroom vinyl ones.....nicely recorded audiophille demo pieces, but you would never play them when wanting to actually listen to real music. I thought the same of Holly Cole until I finally opened Temptation about 2 yrs ago (it was sitting unopened on my rack for years prior). I love her Tom Waits interpretations, and although Craig Street's production is fantastic and supremely well-recorded, it doesn't ruin the music.... I'm less of a fan of some of Holly's more mainstream-produced albums, but I return to Temptation quite often.

So, I'm taking part in the Live album thread this morning and noticed that Chris and a couple others who's musical tastes I admire listed Patricia Barber's live album as a fave. It then reminded me to take a relook/listen on Rhapsody, and noticed she has a boatload of albums (only a few of which are available to listen via Rhapsody). Sooooooo, the questions arise:
* Which are her best, musically, in your opinion, and are they also sonic gems too?
* Does she have different styles throughout her career, so sampling one doesn't mean you'll like/dislike another period?
* If any of the above are hirez (she has quite a few SACD, DVD-A) are they worth it vs redbook. (I am a big hirez fan; another anomaly as to why I've never bought a Patricia barber disc before...weird?).

Thanks.....
Ted

Relax...nothing weird about it. I never bought anything by Patricia Barber and never will.

Frank

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #2 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 05:47 pm »

Ted, I've wondered the exact same thing about Patricia Barber. I keep seeing her name pop up in various "favorite artist" thread.
Thanks for posting this question.
Now.....Let's all run over to ebay where we can bid against each other. aa

Bob

miklorsmith · « **Reply #3 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 05:59 pm »

Not good, not bad. I have all her CDs, three different copies of "Cafe Blue" which is probably her most known album. It's also definitely one of the best.

The first one I bought was "Live - A Fortnight in France". It was recorded in three or four different venues over a two-week tour (duh) and each hall has its own sound. The sound quality is outstanding, most impressive for a live recording.

That wouldn't be a bad place to start, as that album definitely touches on all her styles of which there are many. "Versions" and "Nightclub" have quite a few covers but that's not typical, most of her stuff is original - very. Her musical arrangements would probably be called "progressive jazz" but that, nor any other encapsulation will do justice to what she and her killer band do.

That doesn't mean you'll like it, plenty of folks don't. Most of her stuff isn't first-listen-love. I and a few friends took a while to warm up to her which I believe is "learning" what she's doing. Now, I catch her when she's in town and consider her collection to be indispensable. I love the music and I do mean love, the recording quality generally is outstanding and for evaluating equipment it's hard to beat as there is lots of lovely tone and beauty mixed with bombast and excitement. I definitely would not qualify 90% as "stuffy audiophile crap" though of course a few tracks could be considered that.

If I were giving her a try, I'd go "Live - A Fortnight . . ." then "Cafe Blue", then "A Distortion of Love". If you make it that far, you'll probably be hooked and will complete the collection.

PSP · « **Reply #4 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 06:36 pm »

So far, I only have Cafe Blue (SACD). miklorsmith describes what I have heard and felt... initial discomfort with a new (to me) style and accusations of "playing weird music" from friends and family.

At first, I was drawn in by the very high quality of the recorded sound. Now I find myself listening more and more to the music, appreciating and then loving her bold no compromise artistry. Patricia Barber and her music are original items, not like anything else I have encountered. She is absolutely original, and very "full strength". Remember "American coffee" (weak, bland, barely noticeable) before Starbucks and Caribou (with strong impact and punch)??? You might love it, you might hate it, but you won't forget it. P Barber is similarly unforgettable, but she and her music are probably not for everyone.

Peter

Wardsweb · « **Reply #5 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 06:56 pm »

It is all a matter of taste, which we all know is subjective.

Artist - Patricia Barber
Title - Modern Cool
Year of Release - 2002
Record Label - Mobile Fidelity Koch
Genre - Female Vocal / Jazz

This is the SACD version, but it is also available on Redbook and there is even a release on 45 vinyl (three ablums). It is an incredible ablum, right from the start. The very first cut "Touch of Trash" is sensuous music, showcasing Barber's voice and piano skills. Her voice is sultry and appealing. Close your eyes and just get lost in this smokey jazz.

miklorsmith · « **Reply #6 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 06:58 pm »

Yep, Modern Cool is a total winner too.

questfortone · « **Reply #7 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 06:59 pm »

Ted, I have her "Modern Cool" redbook CD, and I would be happy to bring it over for a listen. I think you might like it!

Regalma · « **Reply #8 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 07:00 pm »

I vote for Companion. It's the first one I bought and still my favorite. It's a good starter as it is more accessible than some or her works.

satfrat · « **Reply #9 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 07:08 pm »

I also have all Patricia's albums, I simply love her music style but I can also see where others wouldn't. It's very moody but I love moddy jazz that's "out there". Modern Cool is my favorite album of hers and Cafe Blue is also too kewl. i like them all.

Cheers,
Robin

Martyn · « **Reply #10 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 07:11 pm »

The previous posts sum her up quite well. I have most of her discs, all on SACD but have done done a comparison with the redbook releases. She pays particular attention to the recording and engineering of her music - and it shows. Her style is also unique, although not for the sake of it. She records how she wants to - not to appeal to a particular market. I agree that her style is not to everyone's taste; indeed there are quite a few tracks that are a little too weird for me, but most are very good. She is not background music, but is very rewarding to sit and listen to with no distractions. She has a way of making me like songs that I've previously disliked. Even my wife likes some of her interpretations (like Autumn Leaves), although she will rarely sit through an entire disc. It's hard to suggest a specific disc to start with, but from memory (I'm writing this at work) I think I play Nightclub most (partly from wifely considerations).

Sonny · « **Reply #11 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 07:12 pm »

I too have all her albums...
Love the music as well as the sound...
Great innovative song writer with a quirk...and seeing her live a few times only helps me visualize her when I listen!
Modern Cool and Companion are my fav...

T

Quote from: satfrat on 17 Apr 2008, 07:08 pm

I also have all Patricia's albums, I simply love her music style but I can also see where others wouldn't. It's very moody but I love moddy jazz that's "out there". Modern Cool is my favorite album of hers and Cafe Blue is also too kewl. i like them all.

Cheers,
Robin

twitch54 · « **Reply #12 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 07:20 pm »

Simple............. do YOU like her music ? If so, yes start with "Modern Cool"

Where are you located ? If near Chgo, then go hear her live, Monday evenings @ Green Mill Lounge.

Thebiker · « **Reply #13 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 07:21 pm »

Not having any Patricia Barber is not weird. Now if you were to say that you did not have any
Etta James, that would be weird

.

Walt

doug s. · « **Reply #14 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 07:50 pm »

Quote from: ted_b on 17 Apr 2008, 05:34 pm

I know, I know, I need to make my own decisions. But for some stupid reason I've been going along in life assuming her records are kinda like the old half-speed mastered Amanda McBroom vinyl ones.....nicely recorded audiophille demo pieces, but you would never play them when wanting to actually listen to real music.

i dunno - i never heard any amanda mcbroom.

but, i really like cafe blue & modern cool, i have both on winyl, & modern cool on cd. it was a burned copy on a black cdr; it sounds better than the original cd, but not as good as the winyl...

doug s.

ted_b · « **Reply #15 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 08:09 pm »

THANKS to all.

I ordered the live album on BMG (had some weekend no shipping deals, etc. for like $8) and ordered the SACD of Cafe Blue via Buy.com, and will listen to Rob's redbook of Modern Cool. KEWL!

The stuff I heard on Rhapsody (Cafe Blue, Mythologies, Companion) are great ("Use Me" on Companion is very nice, but I'll let it be my 2nd go round, assuming the first stuff hooks me).

Thanks again.....I love this forum.

markC · « **Reply #16 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 08:31 pm »

I like Patricia Barber a lot. Again, as someone else mentioned, got my first copy for the recording quality. (If non-audio people knew that we bought music for the recording quality and not the content, they'd think we're stranger than they already do!)
Mythologies is a little "out there" and not a good place to start, IMO. I'd recommend Nightclub and Companion.

gerald porzio · « **Reply #17 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 08:40 pm »

There are jazz aficianados who aren't into Patricia Barber either.

doug s. · « **Reply #18 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 08:45 pm »

Quote from: gerald porzio on 17 Apr 2008, 08:40 pm

There are jazz aficianados who aren't into Patricia Barber either.

and some rock fans don't like the rolling stones, either - what's your point? the point of this thread is that, in fact, a lot of folks like patricia barbour for the music, not yust for the audiophile recordings, which is what the op wanted to know. of course, one has to listen & decide for one's self - novel concept, eh?

doug s.

chadh · « **Reply #19 on:** 17 Apr 2008, 11:07 pm »

Interesting thread, and lots of interesting responses.

I own one Patricia Barber CD - Modern Cool. I ummed and ahhed over pile of them at one stage, and I think I chose that one because she covered "Light My Fire." As it turned out, I was underwhelmed (except for a cool track that has a sort of Middle Eastern feel and some interesting percussive stuff going on - I liked that). I found there to be a real uniformity to her music on that album. Of course, there may well be a lot of variation on other albums, or across albums. I'm obviously no Patricia Barber expert.

Anyway, I didn't post here to say that I didn't enjoy her music. On the contrary, I wanted to say that even though I didn't particularly enjoy that one CD, there is something about the music that gets under my skin. And not in a bad way. Even though I don't particularly enjoy it, her music has stayed with me. It comes to mind readily, and with some intensity. Usually, I have exactly the opposite kind of experience. I'll have the vague feeling that I enjoyed an artist or a song or an album, but can't quite remember the lyrics, or the tune or whatever. But in this case, I have very vivid aural memories of this music despite my luke-warm response. To me, that certainly makes her worth a listen.

One thing I found interesting about many of the earlier posts was the way people implied that her music was (at least initially) "weird" or "uncomfortable" or "inaccessible." I didn't find that at all. Maybe it is truer of some of her other albums, or maybe I have weird taste. Ornette Coleman initially seemed weird to me (in a cool way). So did Eric Dolphy. But not Patricia Barber. Anyway, I think the thing that stops me enthusing more about the music is that it seems so stylized. Pair that with an album title like "Modern Cool", and it all starts to feel contrived. At least to me.

Regardless, I definitely think she's worth a listen. And I still put Modern Cool on every now and then, just to see if I can work out why the music stays in my mind.

Chad