Patricia Barber at the Green Mill in Chicago

I just got back home to L.A. from a few days spent in Chicago. Prior to going there, I had received a tip from a local that the Patricia Barber Quartet performs on Monday nights at the Green Mill when they are not touring. I lucked out! They were there last Monday and I was able to catch the show. It's an old style bar/night club that hasn't changed decor since the 40's. What a treat! You feel like you have stepped into a time machine with the long wooden bar, deco light fixtures, neon beer signs and booths for seating. It's an amazing place and probably only had about 75 people there, if that! You are right there with the band and they are amazing!! The sound was very good, even though I was sitting on the side. (The sweet spot was taken!) It makes you want to go home and pull out those CD's to hear all the nuances you can visually see and feel in a live performance. The quartet did two sets and then they hang-out after the perfomance so you can introduce yourself, just like any other local club gig! Although Patricia didn't offer a whole lot of conversation in response to my praises of her performance and her CD's, the band readily acknowledged their awareness of the huge support from the audiophile community. They commented that since she doesn't typically get airplay, she is primarily supported through word of mouth and special groups such as ours! So, we are important to her success!

If you are in Chicago, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a great performance upclose and personal! Cover is $7.00 with no drink minimum!! They advertise weekly in the local entertainment free paper.