[rajacat]

It's interesting that PB draws so many very contrasting opinions. Some are never attracted to musicians  that break the mode or don't fall into comfortable convention. To compare Patricia Barber as a singer to Sarah Vaughan is really unfair. With PB it is not just the voice you should consider but the entire package. She is a very good pianist and much of what she plays are her own compositions. What are you going to do? Listen to continuous loops of SV for the rest of your life or keep eye open for new talent that isn't afraid to take risks and brings a new and unique sound that might not  just reflect the standards?

-Roy

[miklorsmith]

I'm not such a sucker for the female voice.  I can enjoy it but would never seek out an album just for that.  I don't think Patty B has the best jazz voice in the world but her arrangements and the musicians that play them (her included) are progressive, exciting, and never get old at my place.  It doesn't all work but most of it does, exceptionally, and that's saying a lot for somebody who truly blazes her own trail.

[giantsteps]

It's interesting that PB draws so many very contrasting opinions. Some are never attracted to musicians  that break the mode or don't fall into comfortable convention. To compare Patricia Barber as a singer to Sarah Vaughan is really unfair. With PB it is not just the voice you should consider but the entire package. She is a very good pianist and much of what she plays are her own compositions. What are you going to do? Listen to continuous loops of SV for the rest of your life or keep eye open for new talent that isn't afraid to take risks and brings a new and unique sound that might not  just reflect the standards?

-Roy

 Hey Raj..cool it. Musicians have their antennas fully extended and are constantly, relentlessly seeking out new talent with fresh ideas. And when it comes to female singers I hunt them out daily....globally. I like fresh talent. That's why I don't listen to Patricia Barber. 
 And any one who wants something "progressive" pick up a damn instrument and come play with me. Chances are you'll beg for something conventional. Or we can listen to Coltrane's "Live in Seattle". But then again you might ask "what are all those notes"? 

 


 Frank

[groovybassist]

I haven't read this whole thread, but if she hasn't been mentioned already, you should check out Claire Martin's stuff, particularly Old Boyfriends.

Enjoy!

-Mike

[miklorsmith]

Ah, but "progressive" by itself isn't music (to me).  To progress AND make it still sound musical, THAT'S the genius.

[giantsteps]

I haven't read this whole thread, but if she hasn't been mentioned already, you should check out Claire Martin's stuff, particularly Old Boyfriends.

Enjoy!

-Mike

 I have her CD and I like her a lot.


 Frank

[giantsteps]

Ah, but "progressive" by itself isn't music (to me).  To progress AND make it still sound musical, THAT'S the genius.

 Don't worry. Taking into account your infinite wisdom we will always let you have the last word. 


 Frank 

[Martyn]

Ah, but "progressive" by itself isn't music (to me).  To progress AND make it still sound musical, THAT'S the genius.

I agree with this sentiment. Unfortunately, it's a genius that's all too rare these days. Of course, that's just my opinion and I'm not a musician - therefore it obviously doesn't count for much. I do know that I usually beg for something conventional when I hear a noise that the "musician" calls progressive.

[Bob in St. Louis]

....... that's just my opinion and I'm not a musician - therefore it obviously doesn't count for much.

Sure it does......You're "John Q Buying Public" aren't you?   

[Scott F.]

I dunno....I gotta side with Frank and Nathan on this one. I don't think much of DK and even less of PB. Sure, they may appeal to some but I would rather jab myself in the ears with an icepick than listen to either of them. Thats exactly why I'm giving Bob my DK and PB CD's.

When it comes to unique interpretations and vocal stylings, Cassandra Wilson does a fine job. When it comes to the queens of jazz vocals Ella is probably my all time favorite. After her would probably be a tie between Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday (with a slight edge to BH).

Music and artists are highly personal and subjective. What works for me likely sounds like cats mating to you. Proof being, I think Oingo Boingo Dead Man's Party is a great album.

[Martyn]

Scott, if you like BH, try Madeleine Peyroux (Careless Love, perhaps)...similar phrasing and no cats mating.

[Scott F.]

I've got her first release. I can't decide if I like it or not. On some levels its very enjoyable but on others her vocal styling tends to wear on me. Dunno, guess I'm just picky   

[groovybassist]

If you're a fan of female vocals, try Shelby Lynne - Just a Little Lovin'.  Tunes originally performed by Dusty Springfield - Stereophile got this one right in their review.  She turns in a great performance on these tunes and most have a great (in many cases slow) groove.  Amazon probably has clips to listen to.

-Mike

[giantsteps]

 I don't like Madeleine Peyroux either. Anyone wanna make sumpin' of it?  


 Frank

[Bob in St. Louis]

Not really. I've have one of her CD's, it's kinda "odd", but it's a keeper anyway.

[rajacat]

Madeleine Peyroux does her best to imitate Billie Holliday. Not too bad but nothing beats the real thing. aa

[Jonathan]

If you're a fan of female vocals, try Shelby Lynne

Agree totally. Although I've not yet heard her new one, "I am Shelby Lynne" is a killer record. There are a few intentionally messed up sounding tracks on the disc, but overall the production and sonics are first rate, as are the performances.

[Freo-1]

I am a big fan of Keely Smith and Ella Fitzgerald. Ella had the smoothest vocal style.

Patricia Barber is an audiophile staple for the sound quality more than the performance quality. I sort of like her first recording "A Distortion of Love".  Most of the rest I can take or leave.

The gal that sings for Pink Martini has a sweet voice as well!  aa

[doug s.]

I dunno....I gotta side with Frank and Nathan on this one. I don't think much of DK and even less of PB. Sure, they may appeal to some but I would rather jab myself in the ears with an icepick than listen to either of them. Thats exactly why I'm giving Bob my DK and PB CD's.

When it comes to unique interpretations and vocal stylings, Cassandra Wilson does a fine job. When it comes to the queens of jazz vocals Ella is probably my all time favorite. After her would probably be a tie between Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday (with a slight edge to BH).

Music and artists are highly personal and subjective. What works for me likely sounds like cats mating to you. Proof being, I think Oingo Boingo Dead Man's Party is a great album.

i have to agree that music/artists are personal/subjective.  not only is oingo boingo's dead man's party a fave album of mine, but i also like pb a lot, as well as all the other singers you mention!   

ymmv,

doug s.

[Scott F.]

Bob, still got your PB and DK CD's.

I was doing a search today, ran across this and just had to post it....



It's from a collection called Feeding Time. Some of them are pretty funny. The rest of the site is worth looking at too