Barbara was born and raised in Detroit, and music has been her language of choice since she can remember. Barbara is not a shouter, and she doesn’t scat. Instead, she chooses songs that tell a story or express a mood and delivers the lyrics with feeling and finesse, sophistication and dignity, always tempered with a sly smile and a touch of sass.
Now, a new documentary by Los Angeles-based filmmaker Andrew Thomas, THE ANATOMY OF VINCE GUARALDI, brings Barbara Ware’s immaculate phrasing and refined interpretation to jazz-listeners across the country, and around the world.
Thomas, who made the documentary in partnership with Toby Gleason, son of legendary jazz critic Ralph J. Gleason, filmed a solo performance by Barbara Ware in Detroit, for the film’s finale. She sings “Cast Your Fate To the Wind”, Guaraldi’s first breakout hit that brought his shimmering, impressionistic style into the musical mainstream. Ware’s eloquent yet understated finale brings contemporary relevance to this pre-“Peanuts” chartbuster, and literally leaves audiences stamping and hooting for an encore.
Thomas also captured provocative interviews from legendary performers and personalities who worked with Guaraldi and were influenced by his work, including Dave Brubeck, Dick Gregory, John Handy, Jon Hendricks, Rev Malcolm Boyd and George Winston.
Nominated “Outstanding Jazz Vocalist” by
Detroit Music Awards
Jazz Beat says, “Barbara is one of Detroit’s premier song stylists, combining an elegance and easy grace with more than a touch of class. Jazz-aficionados in the Motor D and other music centers have long loved her elegantly restrained renderings of timeless jazz standards.”
– Barbara Ware
I am fortunate to have the opportunity finally to chase that dream that I had as a young girl. A dream that I have quietly and patiently clung to over the years.
Critics say:
Barbara Ware continues to have impressive and prestigious engagements in the Detroit Metropolitan area. Barbara’s CDs are available, and if you haven’t already, please take note of Barbara Ware. She is one talented jazz singer who is in full bloom.