Patricia Barber – Nightclub (One Step) (2LPs, 45RPM, Impex)

Patricia Barber’s sixth studio album, recorded in May 2000 at Chicago Recording Company’s Studio 4, is a fascinating collection of classic jazz songs, which she interprets with her inimitable downtempo intimacy. Working with her band at the time (bassist Michael Arnopol and drummer Adam Cruz, complemented by guitarist Charlie Hunter, bassist Marc Johnson and drummer Adam Nussbaum), Barber creates a austere, almost oppressive sound atmosphere, overlaid by engineer Jim Anderson with her ghostly vocals. Like all great jazz albums, “Nightclub” puts its artist at the center while allowing the performers creative space to give her strong support.