finetune artist: Patricia Barber

b. 1956, Lisle, Illinois, USA. Encouraged in her musical inclinations by her parents, saxophonist Floyd Barber and singer Peggy Orton, Patricia was taught piano by her father from the age of five, soon moving on to formal lessons. Following the death of her father when she was nine, the family relocated to Sioux City, Iowa. Her classical music studies continued through high school and at the University of Iowa. Although she had played saxophone in her high school band, it was not until after graduation from university that Barber turned wholly to playing jazz piano. She worked professionally in Iowa City for about a year before returning to the city of her birth where she formed her own trio. Her eclectic style of piano playing and of singing, and her broad, pop- and rock-influenced repertoire led to an uphill struggle for recognition by those who would pigeonhole artists. She persevered and was rewarded with a long-lasting engagement at Chicago's Gold Star Sardine Bar. Later, she moved to the Green Mill, which was, by the end of the 90s, the city's jazz in-place. From the late 80s Barber had become a familiar figure at the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands although her international reputation was slow in taking off. Nevertheless, her recording career, begun with a self-produced album, took flight with Caf Blue and continued with further good albums including the well-received Modern Cool on which she was joined by trumpeter Dave Douglas. Among other musical associates, all appearing on 2000's Nightclub are Michael Arnopol, Adam Cruz, Marc Johnson, Adam Nussbaum and Charlie Hunter. In addition to her albums, she has also released a short, three-track set of live performances at the Green Mill, entitled Companion. Meanwhile, Barber had continued to extend her education, adding to her existing qualification a masters degree in jazz teaching from Northwestern University.

Listen to Patricia Barber at Finetune.

Light My Fire
Let it Rain
My Girl
Summertime
You & the Night & the Music