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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. Meet Barbara King first, and then listen to her musical narrative. My grandfather was a musician. He died before I got to know him, but my grandmother was determined my brother and I would learn how to play the piano. It’s ironic though, I never quite “mastered” the instrument. Still, the foundation was laid. Music became a part of me and I decided I wanted to sing. Whenever there was a talent show, school musical I was ready to audition, says Barbara. From elementary school to Vassar, her passion intensified. I was in the band in junior high school and part of high school. I also joined the choir in high school, says King. She sang in Vassar’s choir and toured the U.S., which gave King an opportunity to tinker with melodies and lyrics of classic and popular tunes. My father was a huge fan of jazz. I was introduced to the ‘legends’ at an early age Ella, Sarah, Dinah, Billie (my mother’s favorite), and Gloria. When I got to college I guess the seed that was planted finally took root, because my focus changed and jazz became my main form of musical expression, says Barbara. 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. King is a devout Christian who remains in touch with her spiritual roots. 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. I grew up in a home filled with music and dancing. It was a mix of the cultures from my family’s background, Cuba, Jamaica, and Costa Rica. Jazz gives me a kind of freedom and the ability to create that is different from other forms of music. I feel I’ve found my niche. I enjoy using my voice in a way that allows me to interpret a song and put my personal ‘spin’ on it, says Barbara.?
