Featured Albums + Events

All About Jazz, May 2023

Jonathan Barber: Blazing Forward

“All About Jazz : What was the motivation or the inspiration behind your recent album Poetic?

Jonathan Barber: This record was recorded over the pandemic. In February 2022, we had a couple of shows in the East Coast, one in Vermont and Connecticut, and so it made sense for the guys to stay a couple of days in Hartford, Connecticut, where I live, and record. Over the course of the pandemic, I relocated back to Hartford, and I acquainted with Stephen Cusano, a good friend of mine. He holds a space called Parkville Sounds where musicians can rehearse or record. It's a multi-purpose space where I rent a private room from him. It's also where I keep my drums, I do recording and give lessons. As for this album, I decided we would just block out two days and record. At the time, I was writing a lot of music and I told each band member to bring a song that had a vibe, and let's just record and see what happens.”

Downbeat Magazine, October 2022

Jonathan Barber: The Drummer as Storyteller

“After cultivating a collective sound on 2018’s self-titled debut and 2020’s followup, Legacy Holder, they’ve hit on a winning formula on their third studio album, Poetic. Recorded at Hartford’s Parkville Sounds, a rehearsal and recording studio established in 2017 by drummer and fellow Hart School alumni Stephen Cusano, this latest offering by Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead travels from the leader’s melodic title track, underscored by his signature interactive drumming and polyrhythmic aplomb, to guitarist Renfroe’s lyrical “Gathering,” to a suite of three potent compositions by Louis: the hymn-like “Give Us This Day,” the Ornette Coleman-influenced “Lead Us Not Into Temptation” and the thoughtful “Now And Forever,” the latter a lightly swinging number underscored by Barber’s whirlwind exclamations on the kit. Taber’s gospel-tinged “Acceptance” and his contemplative “South” both feature the leader essentially soloing from bar to bar in the highly interactive manner of his drumming hero Roy Haynes. The lone groove number, Barber’s rock-tinged, Thundercat-inspired “Denim,” is the drummer’s catchy ode to his favorite fabric. “There’s something about the feel of a good pair of jeans or a good jean jacket that’s undeniable,” he laughed.”

Hartford Courant, September 2022

The Beatles inspire Hartford Dance Collective’s ‘Yesterday,’ with live music at the riverfront

“Foley Cusano’s husband, Stephen Cusano, runs Parkville Studios, where the dance company rehearses. He came on board as the project’s music director, with Parkville Sounds providing the sound equipment. Stephen Cusano is even drumming in the live band, which is led by vocalist/guitarist Dustin Meadows, lead guitarist Ian Meadows and Tim Leffingwell on bass.”

Hartford Courant, January 2022

Courant arts picks for Jan. 23-29: Ted Lange, ‘Five Guys Named Moe’ and Parkville Sounds

“The final concert in the Parkville Sound Sessions series hosted by Jonathan Barber is Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at 30 Arbor St., featuring saxophonist/composer/educator Walter Smith III. The show is also available as a livestream.”