I wish it weren't the case but it's not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can't force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Mythologies. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

This CD is a pleasantly varied, mix of 11 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly superb artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They're all here.

Patricia Barber possesses the characteristic of being able to win you over with her vocal talent alone. The kind of artist I really enjoy listening to.

The nice thing about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Smooth Jazz isn't your favorite style you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist. This put together with the fact that this is probably Barber's single best release to date and you've got a very good CD release.

Listen to Mythologies and I believe you'll find there's not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Patricia Barber's vocals are in top form as usual. Of particular note on this offering is her amazing rendition of Pygmalion. If you're even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you'll enjoy this album.

While this entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 1 ? The Moon, track 4 ? Hunger, and track 10 ? Phaeton.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 5, Icarus. Good stuff!

Mythologies Release Notes:

Patricia Barber originally released Mythologies on August 15, 2006 on the Blue Note record label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. The Moon 2. Morpheus 3. Pygmalion 4. Hunger 5. Icarus (For Nina Simone) 6. Orpheus / Sonnet 7. Persephone 8. Naricussus 9. Whiteworld / Oedipus 10. Phaeton 11. The Hours

Personnel: Patricia Barber (vocals, piano); Neal Alger (guitar); Michael Arnopol (bass instrument); Eric Montzka (drums).