PATRICIA BARBER - Modern Cool (1998) SACD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The dark, smoky voice of Patricia Barber is quite haunting. On Modern Cool, she mostly sings downbeat songs at slow tempos. All but three songs are her own originals, and they deal with such subject matter as a "homage to beauty" that seems to connect painting one's face with prostitution, loneliness, mindless conformity, the "postmodern blues" and other depressing topics. Even her treatments of "You and the Night and the Music" and "Light My Fire" make one think that she is utterly bored with life. Barber, whose piano playing is mostly very much in the background, comes across on this set as a pop/folk singer. Most of the jazz moments are provided by trumpeter Dave Douglas, who is on half of the selections and adds some much-needed excitement; guitarist John McLean, bassist Michael Arnopol, and drummer/percussionist Mark Walker complete the group. This set is definitely for specialized tastes. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
 1     Touch of Trash 5:27
Patricia Barber
2     Winter 4:52
Patricia Barber
3     You and the Night and the Music 8:03
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz
4     Constantinople 8:26
Patricia Barber
5     Light My Fire 5:16
John Densmore / Robby Krieger / Ray Manzarek / Jim Morrison
6     Silent Partner 5:08
Patricia Barber
7     Company 5:42
Patricia Barber
8     Let It Rain 5:55
Patricia Barber
9     She's a Lady 4:15
Paul Anka
10     Love, Put on Your Faces 5:46
Patricia Barber
11     Postmodern Blues 5:48
Patricia Barber
12     Let It Rain - Vamp 3:03
Patricia Barber
13    If This Isn't Jazz 5:14
Patricia Barber
Credits :
Bass – Michael Arnopol
Choir – Choral Thunder Vocal Choir
Drums, Percussion – Mark Walker
Guitar – John McLean
Producer, Piano, Vocals, Effects – Patricia Barber
Trumpet – Dave Douglas
Udu – Jeff Stitely