Patricia Barber Modern Cool ( HQ 180g vinyl 2LP )

Release date: 30-06-2024(originally released in 1999)

2024 IMPEX reissue on 33rpm 180g Supervinyl 2LP -Remastered by Bernie Grundman using the original master by David Glasser.

For those who missed out on the sonically excellent MoFi edition, or want to add to or upgrade their collection, now is your chance:

This immaculate reissue from Impex Records comes as a double LP (33 rpm) on 180-gram vinyl and, for the first time outside Impex's "OneStep" series, has been pressed on VR900-D2 vinyl - with impressive results: Every detail and dynamic nuance is accurately reproduced, without harshness or sibilance.

 The deluxe packaging updates the stylish original design and includes an exclusive, comprehensive booklet with lyrics and session photos by Barber photographer Valerie Booth.

Patricia Barber’s Modern Cool  was the recording that made Barber an international jazz star. On the initial tour in support of the album, Barber played a four night stand at The Jazz Standard in New York where she was heard by Bruce Lundvall of Blue Note Records.

Audiophiles were well aware of Barber from her 1994 Premonition recording Café Blue. Sonically, Modern Cool followed the Café Blue playbook: same recording studio, engineer, and recording approach. Musically, Barber added trumpeter Dave Douglas to her stellar working band and showcased her original compositions more than on any previous recording.

Like Café Blue, Modern Cool has been released in multiple formats, including 2013’s Grammy-winning Surround Sound edition. This 180g double LP edition from Premonition is newly remastered by the legendary Doug Sax from the original analog mixes and is sure to be another strong addition to the Barber audiophile oeuvre.

"Sonically, one of the best recordings ever made by a jazz singer with a small acoustic ensemble.” - Downbeat Five Star Review

Tracks:
A1 Touch Of Trash 
A2 Winter 
A3 Let It Rain

B1 Company 
B1 Silent Partner 
B2 Light My Fire

C1 You & The Night & The Music 
C2 Love, Put On Your Faces 
C3 She's A Lady

D1 Constantinople 
D2 Postmodern Blues 
D3 Let It Rain - Vamp

Musicians:
Patricia Barber - vocal, piano, table knives on strings
Michael Arnopol - bass
John McLean - guitars
Mark Walker - drums, percussion
Jeff Stitely - udu
Dave Douglas - trumpet
Choral Thunder Vocal Choir

Features:

• Audiophile 180g VR900-D2 Vinyl
• Double LP
• 33rpm
• Newly remastered by Bernie Grundman from the original David Glasser master
• The first Impex non-1STEP release pressed on our special 1STEP VR900-D2 vinyl for incredible detail, depth, soundstage, and silent surfaces
• Pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing
• The full "Impex Treatment" packaging featuring updated gatefold jacket art and a 16-page booklet with full lyrics and rare photos by Patricia Barber photographer Valerie Booth

• Musicians

  Patricia Barber	piano, vocal, table knives on strings
  Michael Arnopol	bass
  John McLean	guitar
  Mark Walker	drums, percussion, prepared kit, tin can-o-phone
  Dave Douglas	trumpet
  Jeff Stitely	udu ("Constantinople")
  Choral Thunder Vocal Choir	("Love, put on your faces")

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 an "homage to beauty" that seems to connect painting one's face with prostitution, loneliness, mindless conformity, the "Postmodern Blues," and other such topics. 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 excitement; guitarist John McLean, bassist Michael Arnopol, and drummer/percussionist Mark Walker complete the group.

"Modern Cool" by Patricia Barber is one of those audiophile classics that needs no introduction. Jim Anderson's breathtakingly detailed and natural recording, as well as the mastery of Barber's compositions and performances, make this album a must-have for any ambitious record collection. "Modern Cool" is a glossy production, no question about it. Nevertheless, it differs from most albums by her famous jazz colleagues. "Modern Cool" never seems over-the-top or over-polished – Barber's approach has too many edges for that, and she gives her fellow musicians the freedom they need to breathe life into the songs.

It is therefore not surprising that "Modern Cool" brought the American her breakthrough in the mainstream and that the album was even able to win a Grammy for best (surround) sound 15 (!) years after its initial release. During the album tour, Barber played a selection of songs – including her interpretation of "Light My Fire" by the Doors – during a four-day performance at "The Jazz Standard" in New York. There she was heard by Bruce Lundvall of Blue Note Records, which subsequently led to a series of extremely popular recordings for Premonition and Blue Note, worldwide tours and unanimous critical acclaim.