In Britain — well, London — we like to think that all great music passes our way. But in her long career Patricia Barber, a Chicago singer of cool intelligence, has scarcely dropped by. A fleeting appearance in 2006 at Ronnie Scott’s was declared the concert of the year — “by a long way” — by my colleague Clive Davis. But since then zilch, as she’s opted to charm the French instead.

Here’s a download-only live set that gives a hint of what we’re missing. Recorded at her weekly hometown gig at the Green Mill, it’s rockier and looser than her regular releases. Touch of Trash moves from sardonic froideur to a rock work-out with jagged shards of electric guitar and funk bass. Her quartet is joined here by the saxophonist Jim Gailloreto.

Barber’s moody contralto is at its most seductive on the ballad Narcissus and at its most mysterious on The Moon (both songs are from her Mythologies album). Later the band accelerates into steamy jazz-rock on Groovin’ High — imagine Diana Krall or Norah Jones cutting loose for 16 frenetic minutes. The show closes with a simple saxophone-vocal duet that breathes new life into that run-down staple Autumn Leaves.

For those who like their recordings primped to perfection, this not the place to start investigating the Barber cult. It’s all some way from the genteel sophistication of last year’s Cole Porter album. One or two solos meander as her fine band please themselves as much as the regulars. But there’s a raw vitality to compensate and it’s hard to think of another singer in this field whose music runs the gamut from tender melody to visceral energy so excitingly.

Next time you’re passing through Paris, Patricia, we’re only at the other end of Eurostar.

Download from www.patriciabarber.com

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