Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead - Poetic (2022)

Poetic is the powerful third album from Jonathan Barber and Vision Ahead. With Poetic, Barber and the group present a dynamic, refined sound; the album showcases not only the stellar musicianship of each of the group’s five members, but the striking cohesiveness of a band of brothers who have performed by each other’s side for over a decade. Revealing another layer of musical depth and conceptual maturity to the ensemble, Jonathan Barber’s latest statement undoubtedly solidifies this ensemble’s stature as a premier group of its generation. Staying true to its original lineup, the cast features acclaimed drummer Jonathan Barber at the helm alongside pianist Taber Gable and bassist Matt Dwonszyk to round-out the group’s first-call rhythm section, with celebrated alto saxophonist Godwin Louis and visionary guitarist Andrew Renfroe making up the group’s front line.

As a response to facing the many trials of the day, Barber exclaims “Creating this album, we (Vision Ahead) reminded ourselves that it is better to push through collectively. In some cases the best way to respond is to gather in one room and record the moment.” These sessions bore fruitful recordings of original compositions by Barber, Renfroe, Louis and Gable. “Although Poetic is an instrumental album, the music delivers melodies that are lyrical.” The album’s tracks show a masterful command of instrumentation, making excellent use of space and dynamics. Incorporating new sonic textures to Barber’s trademark sound, the group makes use of a Fender Rhodes instead of a grand piano, weaving lush, dark colors into the sonic tapestry which seem to coalesce and sometimes meld, though never competing, with Renfroe’s sustained harmony and melodic refrains.

As Barber notes “It’s safe to say that playing collectively for over 10 years shows on this album. Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead is more than a band, it’s a sound!