Patricia Barber - Live a Fortnight in France 2004

The disc features two new compositions. "Gotcha" is a steamy, nocturnal piece of jazzed-up pop with a killer seductive bassline by Arnopol. Lyrically, Barber evokes the humor and sophistication of Mose Allison, but takes it to a darker, stiletto-sharp edge. "White World" is a politically spiked, funky, futuristic jazz tune from her upcoming song cycle based on Ovid's Metamorphoses. There are two cuts from her 2002 outing, Verse, as well: the shimmering minor-key and erotically tinged drama of "Dansons la Gigue!," with lyrics by 19th century poet Paul Verlaine, and the silky and forlorn "Pieces." A fine pair of instrumentals are also featured in Barber's "Crash," with its deep groove and killer piano solo, and a near intoxicating read of the nugget "Witchcraft." Add to this a mournful and haunted take on Johnny Mercer's "Laura," the eternally elegant "Blue Prelude," and a finely elongated, loose read of "Norwegian Wood." The set ends with a cabaret version of the old Chris Montez pop classic "Call Me," which – for all its camp – comes off as a nice little bit of samba. Unlike most live records, this is a welcome chapter in the Barber book, with surprises, risky behavior, and top-flight musicianship.

Bass - Michael Arnopol
Drums - Eric Montzka
Guitar - Neal Alger
Piano, Vocals, Producer - Patricia Barber

1 Gotcha (6:14)
Written By Barber

2 Dansons La Gigue! (5:13)
Written By Barber

3 Crash (7:28)
Written By Barber

4 Laura (5:27)
Written By Raskin , Mercer

5 Pieces (6:7)
Written By Barber

6 Blue Prelude (5:54)
Written By Jenkins , Bishop

7 Witchcraft (6:28)
Written By Leigh , Coleman

8 Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) (7:10)
Written By Lennon-McCartney

9 Whiteworld (6:08)
Written By Barber

10 Call Me (6:37)
Lyrics By Gasso
Music By Fields