$20 advanced, $25 at the door
General Admission (Seated) - Doors open at 7PM
https://jonathanbarbermusic.com
https://jonathanbarber.bandcamp.com/album/in-motion-vinyl-campaign
Drummer-composer Jonathan Barber announces the release of In Motion, his fourth studio album with his long-standing group Vision Ahead, out August 2, 2024. Instilled with a sense of maturity and rooted in deeply personal expression, In Motion emerges as an authentic musical portrait of the Hartford-born artist illustrated by eight richly-composed original compositions and a pair of reprises. Intended as a cohesive, full body of work, In Motion is Jonathan Barber’s most astute statement yet, and a testament to the staying power of Vision Ahead as an ensemble.
The title, In Motion, is a nod to the act of “doing”, and is thought of as a motivational mantra for the drummer-composer. It’s an accurate reflection of Barber’s ever-evolving artistry and meteoric career: since 2018, Barber and Vision Ahead have consistently released impactful and acclaimed projects, each further solidifying the group’s standing as one of the premier ensembles of this generation. Anchored by Barber (who was selected as the #1 Up and Coming Drummer by Modern Drummer Magazine in 2018), Vision Ahead features first-call guitarist Andrew Renfroe, artful pianist Taber Gable, respected bassist Matt Dwonszyk and exploratory tenor saxophonist Matt Knoegel. “Barber’s Concept with “Vision Ahead” is shapely and sure, fortified with youthful energy, yet tempered by mature skills. His compositions are solid, his performance grounded, full of dance feel, and one with a future,” described jazz journalist Ken Micallef in DownBeat Magazine. The sound of Vision Ahead is decidedly now.
Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead is an ascendant New York jazz quintet led by Modern Drummer’s “#1 Best Up-and-Coming Drummer of 2018,” Jonathan Barber. Only 29 years old, Mr. Barber has already worked with artists such as Pat Metheny, Nicholas Payton, Buster Williams, Kenny Barron, Jeremy Pelt, Jimmy Greene, J.D. Allen, Harold Mabern, Larry Willis, Steve Davis, The Brooklyn Philharmonic, and Erykah Badu.
Now, he’s stepping out in full force as a bandleader. DownBeat magazine calls Vision Ahead’s self-titled debut album Barber’s “greatest accomplishment to date,” but make no mistake, this group is more than the Jonathan Barber Quintet; this is unmistakably “Vision Ahead,” a distinctive and close-knit group of musicians who have been working toward this moment for years. Featuring Godwin Louis on saxophone, Andrew Renfroe on guitar, Matt Dwonszyk on bass, and Taber Gable on piano, Vision Ahead offers a fresh blend of classic jazz with elements of gospel, rock, soul, and fusion that’s already attracting listeners across generations. Even when they’re playing hard—and they do reach some thrilling crescendos—this extremely dynamic band always feels impeccably sharp and in control, cool far beyond their years. Barber also shows quite a gift for pacing in his new compositions, with each song boasting a real sense of progression that’s balanced with a proper spotlight on his bandmates’ noteworthy improvisations.
Barber is the main composer but each member of the band contributes compositions and arrangements. With strong melodic motifs and almost every extended solo accompanied by new forms or themes, Barber’s music strikes the rare balance of maintaining a clear emotional through-line while still providing each soloist a fresh foundation on which to build.
Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead has performed at The Jazz Standard, BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Scullers Jazz Club, Smalls Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, Rockwood Music Hall, Smoke Jazz Club, The Cell, Minton’s Playhouse, Black Eyed Sally’s, The Side Door and other notable music venues. In August of 2018 this band headlined the Rainy Days Festival held in St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia. The name “Vision Ahead” holds deep personal significance to Barber, as suggested in the occasional lyrics throughout the debut record entitled Vision Ahead, but it’s immediately clear that this is the sound of now.
Presented in collaboration with Genuine Culture and Pioneer Valley Jazz Shares.