Although she’s been a hit on tour and in clubs for many years, New York-based jazz singer/songwriter Barbara King recently decided that the time was right to take her turn in the recording studio. Her debut album – appropriately named Perfect Timing – is now out on the CCC Music Group label, and it gives listeners the opportunity to see if she was right.
Her background includes formal musical training along with a lot of real-world 
experience in everything from gospel to opera. She has made frequent appearances in the New York area and has also traveled the world, appearing with many international musical stars.
Barbara sings with a full, rich and deep-throated voice, reminiscent of Sarah Vaughan, and is ably backed by some solid pros on an 11-track collection that includes some familiar pieces along with a few of her own compositions. The best of the latter was probably “Miracles,” and “Your Smile,” a piece that features guest artist Dave Valentin on flute, along with a delightful Latin beat. One of my favorites on the album.
She also gives us some nice interpretations of standards, including an outstanding take on “I Say a Little Prayer,” which not only features her voice at its smokiest but also a nice opening bass solo by Duane Bruno. I also enjoyed her take on Stevie Wonder’s “Ribbon In The Sky,” but I couldn’t really get behind her rendition of the Beatles’ song, “Let It Be”.
But overall a nice collection, and worth a listen. So it looks like Barbara was right — it is Perfect Timing.
Geezer Music Club 