Jonathan Barber

Poetic
Release Date: May 13, 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.

The album’s opening track “Poetic”, begins with the drums and piano laying the harmonic and rhythmic framework for the piece. Barber’s rhythmic feel around the placement of Gable chords is playful and sets the tone of the song. The melody is introduced with many layers as Louis and Renfroe enter following Dwonszyk’s bass-line. Renfroe unleashes sheets of sound over the song’s harmony, channeling Coltrane’s harmonic ethos with a melodic approach and tone that is entirely his own. Louis maintains the intensity and demonstrates his soulful facility on his instrument with a fiery solo.

Barber notes the exceptional maturity of the band’s playing on “Gathering” and how the tune is a great example of Vision Ahead’s development. Composed by Guitarist Andrew Renfroe, this song is a true ensemble piece, featuring everyone in the group. Gable sets the tone with ideas that are responsive to the mood of the song. The Fender Rhodes is glistening with lush chords and each note illuminates like stars in the sky. After one chorus, Gable passes the baton to Louis who brightens the feel of the piece with the delivery of a vocabulary-laden solo. “Each solo carries out the emotion of the songs yet presents it in their own way. “Dwonszyk’s intention with note choice and placement is handled with such prestige” Barber indicates. Down to Barber’s use of a deep low-end snare, every element here helps accomplish a reflective piece that never loses sight of its pulse.

The Godwin Louis composition “Give Us This Day” features melody and countermelody played by Louis and Renfroe respectively. This deeply soulful piece begins with a mellow ¾ feel and then escalates in intensity to a raucous 4/4 shuffle. The groove-centric “Denim”, composed by Jonathan Barber, takes the listener on a hero’s journey through seamlessly shifting feelings that draw from the realms of neo-soul, R&B and modern jazz. Renfroe takes no prisoners with a scorching solo, well-supported by Barber and the rest of the rhythm section. The album concludes with Taber Gable’s “South”. “South” begins with Gable’s statement of the harmony, upon which Louis and Renfroe state the melody. Barber’s rhythmic exploration on this piece, and on the album as a whole, can not be overstated. “You’re not going to find a traditional drum solo from me on this album. I didn’t want to be featured in an isolated moment. Part of my artistry is creating with other musicians. To me every song on Poetic feels like one big drum solo,” notes Barber. Gable and Renfroe each solo and then repeat the melodic motif of the head as Barber’s rhythmic variation intensifies and the sonic palate of the piece expands and then concludes on a high.

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!

Legacy Holder
Release Date: May 15, 2020

Following the highly-acclaimed release of his debut, Vision Ahead drummer, composer and bandleader Jonathan Barber is proud to announce the release of his new album, Legacy Holder. Featuring Barber on drums, alongside pianist Taber Gable, guitarist Andrew Renfroe, alto saxophonist Godwin Louis, bassist Matt Dwonszyk and with a guest appearance from vocalist Mar Vilaseca (“The Call”), Legacy Holder solidifies the musical, cultural and spiritual direction that this ensemble, “Vision Ahead” continues to strive towards. Legacy Holder showcases the band’s maturity and sincerity. With this release, Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead presents yet another example of a truly cohesive sound - its origin tracing back to one focused, thought-provoking concept. In this instance, that concept is legacy. The release of Legacy Holder will be celebrated at the Jazz Standard on Wednesday, May 20th at 7:30 and 9:30.

Every person has a foundation. From that foundation comes the opportunity to create a narrative. Having the ability to then share this narrative not only carries on a legacy, it breaks down a wall of limitations and stigmas. For Barber, the true significance of a legacy holder lies in the responsibility to lead through action, and by example. Having now developed a decade-long professional career in music, the 30 year old, Hartford, CT-native realises not only his ability, but his duty to inspire and influence others, just as the generations that have gone before continue to push his artistry and perspective forward. “Understanding that you are able to help others through your experiences, you have the ability to continue a lineage that is fruitful, and removes the path that leads to exclusion and segregation,” the bandleader explains. “We all are Legacy Holders. We must stand strong for the cause and assist in making change. The continuation of unity or division relies on us.” 

An eight-track collection of fresh, innovative, original material, Legacy Holder demonstrates a continuous flow from start to finish, evocative of one lengthy suite. The title track leads the listener into the mindset wherein Barber sets aside a moment of reflection. Although “Legacy Holder” may be labeled as a ballad, it reaches points of both intensity and subtlety. Throughout, each musician significantly contributes to the sensitivity of the track. Barber introduces the composition with a light march using brushes, creating a mellow pulse beneath the simple, singable, relaxing melody. Gradually building upon the foundation of Renfroe’s solo, the band reaches a pinnacle point, establishing a groove wherein Louis and Gable trade choruses. A beautiful conversation develops between alto saxophone and piano, and gives way to the opportunity for each band member to reflect and bounce ideas off each other. Overall, “Legacy Holder” exemplifies maturity and promise. 

Vision Ahead
Release Date: May 11, 2018

Hartford, Connecticut-native Jonathan Barber is proud to announce his arrival with the release of his highly-anticipated debut album Vision Ahead. Featuring pianist Taber Gable, guitarist Andrew Renfroe, saxophonist Godwin Louis, bassist Matt Dwonszyk, and vocalists Denise Renee and Sasha Foster (collectively and eponymously known as the album title), Vision Ahead is Barber’s product of six years spent cultivating a distinct and immaculately tailored sound with like minded musicians who, together, now present themselves as an undeniable, sonically-solid unit. Vision Ahead serves as a showcase of the fresh prospects that can be envisioned and the greatness that can be achieved when one is forced to face unanticipated, desolating life-challenges.

Upon hearing the devastating and unexpected news of his one and only brother’s death in November 2016, Barber struggled to comprehend life, and the purpose of his own, individual foreplanned and foreseen envisage slipped out of his understanding.  “I became confused with the direction that life was taking me and numb to the new norm that instantly presented itself to me; for it was that stand still moment the words “Vision Ahead” became the theme of my next chapter in life.”

Sonically, Vision Ahead not only paints a picture of fresh perspective but one of perseverance. Aside achieving goals through adversity, it is a creation of polished craft and art that strives to breakthrough in a music industry that lacks the attention of an intellectual artist. “My music not only helped me through my grieving process, but sparked a fresh musical style in hopes of carrying on the spirit of this American art form; jazz.”

Eight out of the twelve tracks on Vision Ahead were personally composed by the young musician, named best “Up & Coming” drummer in the 2018 Modern Drummer Readers Poll. “Collectively we capture the deep emotion and the intention that encompasses the compositions of these songs.”

This tightly-knit ensemble has successfully created an album of hope and positivity. Whether itʼs graduating from The Jackie Mclean Institute of Jazz or being natives in the State of Connecticut, the seeds that were planted in one of the smallest states in the U.S. has already made an erroneous impact in the music industry; a vision that is still growing.