By Ron Schepper, Textura
Jonathan Barber issued one of the more auspicious debut albums in recent memory when Vision Ahead arrived two years ago. Met with considerable acclaim, the recording not only documented his superb musicianship as a drummer but also his smarts as a composer, arranger, and bandleader. That accomplished debut release set the bar high for its inevitable follow-up, yet Legacy Holder doesn’t disappoint; if anything, it could be seen as a refinement of the vision presented on the debut, with the New York City-based Barber bringing extra clarity to the stylistic ground to which he’s committed himself. The recording, in other words, reflects a maturing of Barber’s concept. Read the full review here.