Cafe' Blue

great highly recommended won't regret

Patricia Barber ... what a gift. I have been a PB listener of for a long time. It seems to me that she is getting better with each new release. Her creative gift of verse, her handling of the piano, her arrangements, her smoky voice all come together nicely on this set of songs. Coupled with talent of Michael Arnopol on bass, John McLean on guitar and Mark Walker on drums, what we have here is a true inspiration, a gift.True standouts for me:What a Shame (the lyrics sung from deep down, the bass... how low can you go, beautiful in it's simplicity)Morning Grace (percussion, guitar... understated force)Too Rich for My Blood (that voice, that drum, those lyrics, that bass.. quietly understated, filled with potential power unrealized ... blows me away. wow)The Thrill is Gone (Sung like she has been there ...strikes a deep cord within me)Gregorian Chant (the voice, the guitar ... delicate, exquisite)A evening with someone you love (who enjoys fine art on both an emotive and lucid level), a rare bottle of red and PB's Cafe Blue filling the background .. a potent combination indeed.

The definitive digital recording of Cafe Blue is the MFSL gold SACD -- selling for $200.00+. The close second recording is on the FIRST IMPRESSION label. It is their HDCD disc ($21.95 -- 08/04/'11). Verify my opinion with audiophile retailers such as acousticsounds.com OR musicdirect.com and they will agree. Patricia Barber is under contract with Premonition Records. They have subbed out her record production to companies like MFSL and First Impression because these record labels are of a proven quality. Now (August, 2011) Premonition Records is just beginning to produce their own product. They are unproven in the audiophile recording circle. This makes a very big difference. I say wait to buy from the Premonition label until the reviews of their sound quality support their ability to produce an audiophile level product. Cafe Blue on First Impression HDCD is a proven product. Buy that HDCD. Pass on the Premonition label . . . for now.

I've never written a review before as nothing has impressed me as much as this CD.My command of superlatives fail me at this time. Everything about this album is fantastic...from Patricia's voice to each and every one of the talented musicians who accompany her. Patricia's voice is an incredible instrument, from the low and husky to the soaring highs. No note seems to be or is unattainable and with such ease. There's no point in trying any more to describe the emotions this CD can produce in the listener. Suffice to say you MUST add this to your collection if you can lay your hands on it. I have the SACD version, purchased 2nd hand through this site. This recording clearly demonstrates what can be achieved in a recording studio. This is not a conveyer-belt production. Get it one way or another.....

The quality of the recording is impeccable but the music is somewhere between jazz, fusion and experimental. I however like most of the tunes and am glad to keep it in my permanent collection.

Although this cd was released in 2004, I have just discovered it, after having heard her rendition of "A Taste of Honey" on a local jazz station. Mezmerized by her vocals and music arrangements, I knew immediately that this was the way that the song should have been recorded all along, so I didn't hesitate to purchase it. I am not disappointed with any of the twelve recordings. Also, I find her vocals on "Too Rich For My Blood" enchanting and would love to hear more strings on this selection, if she ever records it "live" or plays it "live" on stage in the future. I am a new fan of hers now and will be purchasing her other offerings. You will not be disappointed with this cd.

Perfect music to fill the room while relaxing with a glass of wine, cooking, conversation or anything laid back. Great recording mix and sounds even better if you own a serious sound system!

There are eight cuts on this that are exemplary., and the rest isn't shabby. The musicians backing Barber are top-rate. "What a Shame" is great. "Mourning Grace", "Too Rich for my Blood" and especially "Nardis" each are reward for the cost. I am currently wearing the CD out. "Nardis" is moving up my personal charts into placement among the best: "Take Five", "So What" and Cannonball Adderley Quintets "Autumn Leaves" and one or two by Coltrane. It's not that good, but doesn't miss by much.