Music Review: Barbara King - Perfect Timing

Although she's been a hit on tour and in clubs for many years, New York-based jazz singer/songwriter Barbara King recently decided that the time was right to take her turn in the recording studio. Her debut album - appropriately named  Perfect Timing - is now out on the CCC Music Group label, and it gives listeners the opportunity to see if she was right.

Her background includes formal musical training along with a lot of real-world experience in everything from gospel to opera. She has made frequent appearances in the New York area and has also traveled the world, appearing with many international musical stars.

Barbara sings with a full, rich, and deep-throated voice, reminiscent of Sarah Vaughan, and is ably backed by some solid pros on an 11-track collection that includes some familiar pieces along with a few of her own compositions. The best of the latter was probably "Miracles," and "Your Smile," a piece that features guest artist Dave Valentin on flute, along with a delightful Latin beat. One of my favorites on the album.

She also gives us some nice interpretations of standards, including an outstanding take on "I Say a Little Prayer," which not only features her voice at its smokiest but also a nice opening bass solo by Duane Bruno. I also enjoyed her take on Stevie Wonder's "Ribbon In The Sky," but I couldn't really get behind her rendition of the Beatles' song, "Let It Be".

But overall a nice collection, and worth a listen. So it looks like Barbara was right — it is Perfect Timing.

Article Author: Big Geez

Big Geez is a retiree who takes time off from trimming his ear hair to write about music -- sometimes doing conventional reviews, but often just sharing his opinions about how something resonates with his memories and those of his generation. …

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