PATRICIA BARBER / Companion
[MFSA2023]

Recorded live at Chicago's legendary Green Mill, Companion is the follow up to pianist/composer/vocalist Patricia Barber's critically acclaimed Modern Cool (Also available on Ultradisc UHR SACD). The album opens with the late Sony Bono’s classic "The Beat Goes On" and closes with a jam oriented version of Peter Green’s "Black Magic Woman”. What might initially appear to be seemingly disparate choices in repertoire is held together via brooding, ambient soundscapes assisted into fruition by bassist Michael Arnopol and guitarist John McLean. Patricia Barber lives in Chicago and this live recording is particularly meaningful as a homecoming of sorts because Ms. Barber honed much of her craft at The Green Mill. Her style is consistently intelligent, understated, elegant and contemporary while firmly drawing upon traditional jazz and other elements from music’s past.


1 The Beat Goes On (Sonny Bono)
2 Use Me (Bill withers)
3 Like JT (Patricia Barber)
4 Let it Rain (Patricia Barber)
5 Touch of Trash (Patricia Barber)
6 If This Isn't Jazz (Patricia Barber)
7 Black Magic Woman (Peter Green)
8 You Are My Sunshine (Jimmie Davis)

Patricia Barber, piano, vocals, Hammond B-3
Michael Arnpol, bass
John McLean, guitar
Eric Montzka, drums/percussion
Ruben P. Alvarez, percussion
Jason Narducy, guest vocalist on "Touch of Trash"


HYBRID SACD Stereo
UHR Ultra High Resolution SACD
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab's proprietary G.A.I.N. 2 Ultra Analog mastering process.