Barbara King’s dusky, Sarah Vaughan-like qualities mark her as a talent to watch. Lloyd Sachs, Chicago Sun-Times
Reigniting tradition is what Barbara King is all about. This Brooklyn, New York native is lighting the path for a new generation of fans by advancing the confluence of jazz and inspirational music. Barbara’s noteworthy performances of popular standards and a vast selection of original compositions have earned her critical acclaim. This acclaim has led her to an aptly named, debut CD, Perfect Timing.
Whether captivating audiences in Greece, Japan, Dubai, Eastern Europe, Kingston, Jamaica or back home in renowned New York City at clubs such as, Birdland, B. Smith’s, The Water Club, Sweet Rhythm, Tavern on the Green, The Jazz Standard and The Lenox Lounge, Barbara’s vocal renditions have left audiences marveling at her striking vocal talents and clamoring for more!
Barbara developed her passion for singing at the age of seven where she sang in church and performed in school plays. In an effort to develop her craft, Barbara sang with the noted Vassar College Choir, her alma mater, which toured throughout the U.S. where they performed a variety of classical and popular tunes.
After graduation from Vassar, King enrolled in the Brooklyn Music School, got herself a vocal coach and kicked her career into high gear. Barbara segued smoothly into appearances and engagements with legends Rufus Reid, Kirk Whalum, Akira Tana, Onaje Alan Gumbs, with pop legend, Patti Labelle and gospel icon, Kirk Franklin. Barbara also was a featured vocalist on Tana Reid’s CD, Back to Front, and on Hiro Takada’s piano paean, Portrait in NYC. She did a guest solo on the Christian Cultural Center’s 2005 holiday CD, A Jazzy Christmas. King also sang in Vienna, Austria, at the Advent Sing, performed in Worlds Sing Gospel concert in Tuscany, Italy, and sang with pianist Dino Kartsonakis at Carnegie Hall.
This debut release Perfect Timing on CCCMG Records marks the first outing of Barbara King. Barbara presents splendid interpretations of some standards and four life-affirming, original tracks: Miracles, Overtaken, Perfect Timing and Your Smile. The CD includes such well-known tunes as Ribbon in the Sky, Forever Young, I Say A Little Prayer, and Let It Be. King is joined by several jazz luminaries--Cecil Bridgewater, Arturo O’Farrill, Carl Allen, Rodney Jones and Dave Valentin. Perfect Timing is pure musical elegance and well worth a listen.
To find out more about Barbara King and see a schedule of upcoming performances, visit her website: www.barbarakingjazz.com
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