The IMPEX Patricia Barber – Companion 1Step Wins a 2024 Positive Feedback Writers Award!
The IMPEX Patricia Barber – Companion 1Step is no ordinary vinyl release. It’s an extraordinary achievement that has rightly earned the prestigious 2024 Positive Feedback Writers Award. This 1Step reissue is more than just a record—it’s a transcendent experience that combines cutting-edge production with the soulful essence of live music, setting a new standard in audiophile excellence.
A Personal Connection to Patricia Barber’s Music
As someone who grew up in Chicago, I was fortunate to experience the city’s vibrant music scene firsthand. From iconic venues like Soldier Field and The Chicago Theater to intimate clubs like The Green Mill Lounge, Chicago provided a rich tapestry of musical experiences. Among these, The Green Mill holds a special place in my heart, and it was there that I first encountered the genius of Patricia Barber.
For more than 30 years, Patricia Barber has made Monday nights at The Green Mill a special tradition in Chicago. Her performances combine jazz, blues, poetry, and pop in a way that grabs the audience’s attention and keeps them coming back. In 1999, she released the Companion album, which captured the energy and feeling of her live shows perfectly. Now, the new IMPEX 1Step reissue takes that experience to an even higher level, bringing out every detail and making the music sound more alive than ever before.
Why the IMPEX 1Step Stands Out
This reissue of Companion is the pinnacle of audiophile quality, featuring the collaboration of industry legends like Jim Anderson, Bernie Grundman, and the team at IMPEX Records. The 2-LP 45 RPM pressing uses VR900 Supreme vinyl, ensuring a dead-quiet background that lets the music shine. The production is a marvel, from Jim Anderson’s analog mixdown to Bernie Grundman’s meticulous mastering. The results are breathtaking.
“This 1STEP sets a new standard. As you are emotionally grabbed by the quality of the music and the performance, many of the instruments can be almost physically startling as they seem to explode out of a deep black background on certain tracks. There are multiple layers of inner detail and a significant amount of both micro and macro dynamics that I never realized was there before.”
Indeed, the IMPEX 1Step doesn’t just reproduce sound—it breathes life into it. Patricia Barber’s sultry vocals, the Hammond B3 organ, and Michael Arnopol’s resonant bass lines come alive with unprecedented clarity and depth.
A Masterpiece in Design and Execution
The packaging of this record is as impressive as the music itself and feels like a treasure for collectors. It comes in a textured slipcase that is a beautiful shade of sky blue, with shiny white lettering that stands out. The cover opens up into a deluxe three-panel design, giving it a fancy and stylish look. Inside, there’s a 16-page booklet filled with amazing photos from the concert and personal reflections from Patricia Barber. These details let you step back in time and learn more about the story behind this legendary recording.
Tracks That Transcend
Two standout tracks from the Companion album reissue—”The Beat Goes On” and “Touch of Trash”—highlight why this recording is so special. “The Beat Goes On” kicks off with a powerful bassline that immediately pulls you in and keeps you hooked. Every note feels rich and full of life, creating a strong foundation for the rest of the song. It’s the perfect way to start an album, grabbing your attention and setting the tone for the incredible music that follows.
“Touch of Trash” takes things even further with an exciting mix of percussion and organ that fills the space with vibrant energy. The instruments seem to swirl around you, creating a feeling like you’re sitting in the middle of the performance. This intricate layering of sounds makes it easy to see why fans have loved Companion for over 20 years. It’s not just music—it’s an experience that feels alive, fresh, and timeless.
Final Thoughts from Impex Records
The IMPEX 1Step Companion reissue is more than a nod to audiophile perfection; it’s a tribute to the artistry of Patricia Barber and her incredible band. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her music, this release offers an unparalleled listening experience that will elevate your appreciation for live jazz.
We want to congratulate the whole IMPEX Records team, Abey Fonn as the producer, and Jim Anderson, the technical engineer, on this well-deserved accolade and for all the hard work they do; the results are a recording that will continue to resonate for years to come. We highly recommend it to any serious music lover or audiophile.