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Sunnyside Records. The Choice review
"There are two musical sides to guitarist Diego Barber. At a certain point in a musician’s training, they are typically asked to decide what direction their music should take. Classical or jazz? Barber ignored the question and suggests that ... (read more)
The Choice at All About JazzThe precociously talented Diego Barber is known for the grandeur and majesty of his playing. The fabulous report of the guitarist's tone, his impressive dynamics and exquisiteness of expression are deeply rooted in extraordinary technique. ... (read more)
Encore Magazine. The Choice ReviewMusic you just might hear in the “Barber” Shop—a little bit of jazz, maybe a touch of classical?
(read more)
upcoming gigs
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| Calima | |
| Sunnyside | |
| http://www.sunnysiderecords.com/release_detail.php?releaseID=429 | |
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Piru 190 East Desierto Catalpa Lanzarote Richi Virginianna Air |
Diego Barber is classical guitarist and composer from Spain. Born in the Canary Islands, Barber began playing guitar at age 10. He studied at the Conservatory of Lanzarote with Miguel Angel Calzadilla and privately with Toñin Corujo until enrolling in the Conservatory of Arturo Soria in Madrid. Following studies with renowned composer Jose Ramon Garcia, Barber received his degree in Classical Guitar Conservatory Superior of Music of Salamanca where he studied with Ricardo Gallen. Barber spent a year studying with Costas Cotsiolis at the Athens Conservatoire. Barber received his post graduate degree at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg, under the tutelage of Marco Tamayo in addition to masters classes with Eliot Fisk.
Barber, who is based in New York city, is currently signed with Sunnyside Records. His debut album, ¨Calima¨ features his original compositions with drummer Jeff Ballard, acoustic bass Larry Grenadier, and saxophonist Mark Turner. For ¨The Choice¨ his second recording, Barber reunites with Turner and Grenadier, and is joined by saxophonist Seamus Blake, drummer Ari Hoenig and acoustic bassist Joahnnes Weindenmueller. Barber is an active performer. He has participated in differents music festivals and has given concerts throughout Europe.
He is currently working on a third recording, to be released in in 2012. "…Diego Barber [is] a portent of things to come, and the beginnings of a bright career from one who has all the potential to be a truly original voice in modern music." Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide "Barber approaches the guitar with precision and fluidity - and with great sensitivity....He's adept at coaxing melodies embedded with an air of mystery and mischief." -- Jazz Times
Barber, who is based in New York city, is currently signed with Sunnyside Records. His debut album, ¨Calima¨ features his original compositions with drummer Jeff Ballard, acoustic bass Larry Grenadier, and saxophonist Mark Turner. For ¨The Choice¨ his second recording, Barber reunites with Turner and Grenadier, and is joined by saxophonist Seamus Blake, drummer Ari Hoenig and acoustic bassist Joahnnes Weindenmueller. Barber is an active performer. He has participated in differents music festivals and has given concerts throughout Europe.
He is currently working on a third recording, to be released in in 2012. "…Diego Barber [is] a portent of things to come, and the beginnings of a bright career from one who has all the potential to be a truly original voice in modern music." Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide "Barber approaches the guitar with precision and fluidity - and with great sensitivity....He's adept at coaxing melodies embedded with an air of mystery and mischief." -- Jazz Times
The Choice's review at Bird Is The Worm
The Choce Review
The Choice Review at World Jazz News
World Jazz News
Jazz Magazine Jazzman. The Choice Review
Jazz Magazine Jazzman
The Choice review
The Choice Review at Jazz Times
Jazz Times
Jazz Times
Shinjuku Jazz Diskunion, The Choice Review
Shinjuku Jazz Diskunion
The Choice review
Jazz & Drummer Blog. The Choice Review
Jazz & Drummer
jazz & drummer blog
Riverside House Jazz. The Choice Review
Riverside Jazz Blog
The Choice review
Jeff Tamarkin Calima review
Diego Barber approaches the acoustic guitar with precision and fluidity - and with great sensitivity. Conservatory trained, his background is in both classical and traditional jazz (he cites Miles and Bach as key inspirations), but he also displays a working knowledge of the basic properties of flamenco and fusion, all of which manifest in myriad, often surprising ways in this largely easygoing, mostly impressive set of instrumentals. Working with Fly (tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard), Barber, originally from the Canary Islands, avoids rough edges throughout most of Calima but he's not afraid of a good challenge.
On "Piru," the opener, his smooth lead lines and chord flourishes encircle the bass and drums in a cat-and-mouse game; Turner sits it out till midway, then invites the others to switch on the funk. On the sax-less followup, "190 East," Barber enters alone, flaunting his familiarity with Spanish flair, exploring deep, dark crevices where others might have chosen instead to brighten things up. He's adept at coaxing melodies embedded with an air of mystery and mischief, and even after Grenadier joins in to recalculate the melodic route, Barber can be counted on to fill a hole with an unexpected run or chord pattern.
It all coalesces in "Air," the 21-minute finale that serves as the album's most radical offering. Alternating judicious use of space and jarring, freestyle stabs of guitar, alien ambient sounds and dynamic group interaction, Barber hints at possibilities otherwise avoided in the more pristine, serene numbers and the more pedestrian funk. It's almost a shame when the full quartet reenters to close things out. Things were starting to get really interesting.
Jazz Times
Jeff Tamarkin · Jazz Times
Calima's All About Jazz Review by Mark F. Turner
All About Jazz
Calima review
Calima All About Jazz Review by Raul d'Gama Rose
Impressionism in music. Bruce Dunlap also hit the spot with About Home (Chesky Records, 1990), which used tonal color so vividly that the musical notes felt like wet paint. And now there is this young man, Diego Barber, whose sensibilities swirl around in giant arcs encircling eons of musical tradition. This certainly includes the legacy of Bach as it collides with modern Impressionism. And then his music curves through Andalusia, Cordoba, the Canary Islands, Francophone North Africa, the Middle East, and God knows if there was a whole planet of exquisite impressionist art, then Diego Barber would embody all of it.
All About Jazz
Calima All About Jazz review
HMV onlione Calima Review
HMV Online
HMV online review
Calima Billboard review
Young acoustic guitarist Diego Barber reflects his experiences living in Spain, Greece, and Germany with a classically oriented set of contemporary jazz rooted in -- but not beholden to -- flamenco and traditional Baroque sounds. The liner notes make reference to the Saharan Air Layer, "an intensely warm, dry, and sometimes dust-laden" part of the atmosphere over the Atlantic Ocean that originates in the Sahara Desert region of North Africa, at times reaching the Canary Islands. So naturally, you'd expect this music to be airy, floating, and breezy, bereft of jagged edges as it drifts back and forth from sea to sand. At the music's base, Barber uses progressive elements and variations mastered by Ralph Towner, but it is refined in a different way, less pyrotechnical or dazzling. In a deft, crystalline fashion, Barber and American friends bassist Larry Grenadier, drummer Jeff Ballard (from Brad Mehldau's group), and saxophonist Mark Turner give account of their notions in a completely relaxed fashion, rarely showy, always flowing like natural elements, playing consistently beautiful music together. Calima's first track, "Piru," sets a romantic and gorgeous tone, with pretty repeat lines and chords, only occasional flourishes, and a wafting swing with Turner coming in late. "190 East," the guitarist in a trio setting, is at once thematic, somewhat cinematic, climactic but unhurried with slight harmonics and minimalism to build upon. In a duet with Ballard on "Richi," Barber's rolling fingerstyle playing shows his classical training mixed with folk roots. The closest parallels to Towner appear on "Desierto," as Turner's sax floats by like clouds in blue skies before resorting to swing, while "Lanzarote" is more contemporary and current. Speaking of up to date, the idea of playing hipper music is not beyond Barber, as the title track is in a funkier style with some edge, while the guitar/sax/drums format on "Virgianna" is closer to rock via Ballard's straight beats. The recording ends curiously with a 21-minute seemingly spontaneous composition, "Air," mostly an evocative solo guitar excursion, with bowed bass and a light tango rhythm supporting Turner, ultimately an indulgent and extended coda that loses momentum and most people's attention span. Overall, this is an attractive first effort from the extremely talented Diego Barber, a portent of things to come, and the beginnings of a bright career from one who has all the potential to be a truly original voice in modern music. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide
Billboard
Billboard review
Phrases Reviev (Greek)
Phrases blog
Phrases Calima review
Jazz Beats Calima review. By James Lamperetta
Fly showcases its talents in a wholly different light as the group is joined by Spanish-born guitarist Diego Barber on his auspicious jazz debut “Calima.”
Born in the Canary Islands, but now splitting his time between Madrid and New York City, Barber has a degree in classical music and has won several renowned international competitions.
A wonderfully adept guitarist whose technical proficiency is matched by the beauty and joy that emanates from his playing, Barber is heard exclusively on acoustic guitar throughout the disc’s eight tunes.
Boasting a highly personal style which comes from his unique hybrid of classical, flamenco and jazz, Barber’s original tunes are compelling vehicles that showcase his artistry.
“190 East” finds him accompanied by just Ballard and Grenadier. Sliding effortlessly from finger-picked chords, embellished with delicate harmonic touches, to single note flourishes, he conjures up a vibe that is ethereal and intricate, yet intense and invigorating.
The disc’s other trio piece, “Virgianna,” bursts from the chute with a high-energy funk guitar/drum intro before Turner jumps aboard, locking in with the rhythm. Sax and guitar solo effectively. Ballard’s frenetic drumming bookends this high-energy workout with a pair of exclamation points.
The rock infused strut of “Catalpa” finds the quartet in full regale. Riding Ballard’s propulsive backbeat, Barber’s solo is a nimble mix of rhythm and lead guitar, while Turner swoops in with a statement that is equally visceral.
“Richi” is a duet with drums and a rhythmic tour-de-force that draws heavily upon the guitarist’s classical background.
Clocking in at almost 21 minutes, the opus “Air” closes the disc. Opening with an extended section of solo-guitar, Barber’s conservatory-honed chops are once again showcased. Building to a soulful epiphany that includes the supporting trio, the tune travels full cycle, with the guitarist putting on an introspective finishing touch.
“Calima” is generating a well-deserved buzz. Rarely does an ambitious date such as this succeed on every level. This is highly recommended listening.
Jazz Beats
The Choce Review
The Choice Review at World Jazz News
World Jazz News
Jazz Magazine Jazzman. The Choice Review
Jazz Magazine Jazzman
The Choice review
The Choice Review at Jazz Times
Jazz Times
Jazz Times
Shinjuku Jazz Diskunion, The Choice Review
Shinjuku Jazz Diskunion
The Choice review
Jazz & Drummer Blog. The Choice Review
Jazz & Drummer
jazz & drummer blog
Riverside House Jazz. The Choice Review
Riverside Jazz Blog
The Choice review
Jeff Tamarkin Calima review
Diego Barber approaches the acoustic guitar with precision and fluidity - and with great sensitivity. Conservatory trained, his background is in both classical and traditional jazz (he cites Miles and Bach as key inspirations), but he also displays a working knowledge of the basic properties of flamenco and fusion, all of which manifest in myriad, often surprising ways in this largely easygoing, mostly impressive set of instrumentals. Working with Fly (tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard), Barber, originally from the Canary Islands, avoids rough edges throughout most of Calima but he's not afraid of a good challenge.
On "Piru," the opener, his smooth lead lines and chord flourishes encircle the bass and drums in a cat-and-mouse game; Turner sits it out till midway, then invites the others to switch on the funk. On the sax-less followup, "190 East," Barber enters alone, flaunting his familiarity with Spanish flair, exploring deep, dark crevices where others might have chosen instead to brighten things up. He's adept at coaxing melodies embedded with an air of mystery and mischief, and even after Grenadier joins in to recalculate the melodic route, Barber can be counted on to fill a hole with an unexpected run or chord pattern.
It all coalesces in "Air," the 21-minute finale that serves as the album's most radical offering. Alternating judicious use of space and jarring, freestyle stabs of guitar, alien ambient sounds and dynamic group interaction, Barber hints at possibilities otherwise avoided in the more pristine, serene numbers and the more pedestrian funk. It's almost a shame when the full quartet reenters to close things out. Things were starting to get really interesting.
Jazz Times
Jeff Tamarkin · Jazz Times
Calima's All About Jazz Review by Mark F. Turner
All About Jazz
Calima review
Calima All About Jazz Review by Raul d'Gama Rose
Impressionism in music. Bruce Dunlap also hit the spot with About Home (Chesky Records, 1990), which used tonal color so vividly that the musical notes felt like wet paint. And now there is this young man, Diego Barber, whose sensibilities swirl around in giant arcs encircling eons of musical tradition. This certainly includes the legacy of Bach as it collides with modern Impressionism. And then his music curves through Andalusia, Cordoba, the Canary Islands, Francophone North Africa, the Middle East, and God knows if there was a whole planet of exquisite impressionist art, then Diego Barber would embody all of it.
All About Jazz
Calima All About Jazz review
HMV onlione Calima Review
HMV Online
HMV online review
Calima Billboard review
Young acoustic guitarist Diego Barber reflects his experiences living in Spain, Greece, and Germany with a classically oriented set of contemporary jazz rooted in -- but not beholden to -- flamenco and traditional Baroque sounds. The liner notes make reference to the Saharan Air Layer, "an intensely warm, dry, and sometimes dust-laden" part of the atmosphere over the Atlantic Ocean that originates in the Sahara Desert region of North Africa, at times reaching the Canary Islands. So naturally, you'd expect this music to be airy, floating, and breezy, bereft of jagged edges as it drifts back and forth from sea to sand. At the music's base, Barber uses progressive elements and variations mastered by Ralph Towner, but it is refined in a different way, less pyrotechnical or dazzling. In a deft, crystalline fashion, Barber and American friends bassist Larry Grenadier, drummer Jeff Ballard (from Brad Mehldau's group), and saxophonist Mark Turner give account of their notions in a completely relaxed fashion, rarely showy, always flowing like natural elements, playing consistently beautiful music together. Calima's first track, "Piru," sets a romantic and gorgeous tone, with pretty repeat lines and chords, only occasional flourishes, and a wafting swing with Turner coming in late. "190 East," the guitarist in a trio setting, is at once thematic, somewhat cinematic, climactic but unhurried with slight harmonics and minimalism to build upon. In a duet with Ballard on "Richi," Barber's rolling fingerstyle playing shows his classical training mixed with folk roots. The closest parallels to Towner appear on "Desierto," as Turner's sax floats by like clouds in blue skies before resorting to swing, while "Lanzarote" is more contemporary and current. Speaking of up to date, the idea of playing hipper music is not beyond Barber, as the title track is in a funkier style with some edge, while the guitar/sax/drums format on "Virgianna" is closer to rock via Ballard's straight beats. The recording ends curiously with a 21-minute seemingly spontaneous composition, "Air," mostly an evocative solo guitar excursion, with bowed bass and a light tango rhythm supporting Turner, ultimately an indulgent and extended coda that loses momentum and most people's attention span. Overall, this is an attractive first effort from the extremely talented Diego Barber, a portent of things to come, and the beginnings of a bright career from one who has all the potential to be a truly original voice in modern music. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide
Billboard
Billboard review
Phrases Reviev (Greek)
Phrases blog
Phrases Calima review
Jazz Beats Calima review. By James Lamperetta
Fly showcases its talents in a wholly different light as the group is joined by Spanish-born guitarist Diego Barber on his auspicious jazz debut “Calima.”
Born in the Canary Islands, but now splitting his time between Madrid and New York City, Barber has a degree in classical music and has won several renowned international competitions.
A wonderfully adept guitarist whose technical proficiency is matched by the beauty and joy that emanates from his playing, Barber is heard exclusively on acoustic guitar throughout the disc’s eight tunes.
Boasting a highly personal style which comes from his unique hybrid of classical, flamenco and jazz, Barber’s original tunes are compelling vehicles that showcase his artistry.
“190 East” finds him accompanied by just Ballard and Grenadier. Sliding effortlessly from finger-picked chords, embellished with delicate harmonic touches, to single note flourishes, he conjures up a vibe that is ethereal and intricate, yet intense and invigorating.
The disc’s other trio piece, “Virgianna,” bursts from the chute with a high-energy funk guitar/drum intro before Turner jumps aboard, locking in with the rhythm. Sax and guitar solo effectively. Ballard’s frenetic drumming bookends this high-energy workout with a pair of exclamation points.
The rock infused strut of “Catalpa” finds the quartet in full regale. Riding Ballard’s propulsive backbeat, Barber’s solo is a nimble mix of rhythm and lead guitar, while Turner swoops in with a statement that is equally visceral.
“Richi” is a duet with drums and a rhythmic tour-de-force that draws heavily upon the guitarist’s classical background.
Clocking in at almost 21 minutes, the opus “Air” closes the disc. Opening with an extended section of solo-guitar, Barber’s conservatory-honed chops are once again showcased. Building to a soulful epiphany that includes the supporting trio, the tune travels full cycle, with the guitarist putting on an introspective finishing touch.
“Calima” is generating a well-deserved buzz. Rarely does an ambitious date such as this succeed on every level. This is highly recommended listening.
Jazz Beats
Diego Barber contact & management
Contact Diego Barber at:
info@diegobarber.com
Diego Barber at Myspace:
www.myspace.com/diegobarbermusic
Artist Booking
