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Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead
February 20, 2021 @ 8:00 pm
Drummer, composer, bandleader, and entrepreneur Jonathan Barber has an ambitious image of his desired future clearly mapped out. He knows from experience the tasks he will need to master in order to create the reality he envisions. Barber knows the secret to conceiving and realizing his dreams, like touring with Pat Metheny and recording with Jeremy Pelt: planning, hard work, networking and talent. That’s the reason why his band is called Vision Ahead. As he said in an interview on Bernie’s Bootleg Podcast: you’ve got to set goals and give yourself reminders about the goals. Don’t just write them down and forget about them. Review them and figure out how to achieve those goals. The process is subject to change, but at least it gives you an idea on how to work towards them. Set goals, be patient, be a good person.” This simple recipe is how he leads his group, a forward-thinking quintet of individuals who have lived together and played so many gigs that they can read each others’ musical minds. Their music is a beautiful balance of contradictions – complex and accessible, uber-tight yet open-ended, reflective and dance-inducing. Their quest is to perpetuate the deep grooves and compelling melodies imagined by their creative leader, but it’s also to catch the public’s eye and get gigs around the world in prestigious clubs and festivals. According to Barber’s website, “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.”
Jonathan Barber is a 31 year-old drummer who has been working as a sideman with Pat Metheny, Kenny Barron, Jeremy Pelt, Buster Williams and Wallace Roney. Now on his third album as a leader, Barber was touring the world with his quintet when Covid-19 intervened. He will be performing at the Vermont Jazz Center with the band that appears on all three of his records.
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In past years, our concerts happen “live” and in person and are valued at $40 per ticket. This year, with live streaming, we are relying on donations to offset costs. Please give generously and support live music.
—All About Jazz
