Share the post "Album review: BARBARA BLACK – Ad Libitum"
[Release date 18.09.17]
Barbara Black (not a very Spanish name) is, by all accounts, one of the best female voices on the Spanish female singer/songwriter, rock/metal scene.
A classically trained singer, as well a pianist, and make-up artist and hairdresser for film and TV, Bach began singing with progressive rock band Abelian in 2003, in 2007 forming an ‘American’ rock band Black Rock with whom she recorded her first album Todo al Negro in 2010, with a follow up Just Kiss My Rocks in 2013.
An acoustic solo EP followed in 2014, including covers of Mr Big’s ‘Voodoo Kiss’, Nine Inch Nails’ ‘Hurt’, before work began in 2016 on a five track EP that feeds three numbers into her debut album Ad Libitum.
But the videos for those three numbers sum up the image quandary that Black clearly faces – in ‘Shiva’ – a piano led power ballad, she goes goth with black dress, nails, lips and eye shadow; in ‘Alabama Rose’, an acoustic led ballad/duet she has the ‘clean cut’ girl next door image; while ‘Southern Soul’ bristles with metal rock chick attitude – blue jeans, black leather worn cowgirl hat and shades.
And that’s when she’s not conducting vocal workshops, theatrical make-up workshops, playing a showgirl, taking part in educational shows for children, singing in a vintage jazz-cabaret quintet, or presenting on rock radio.
Yes, she’s a multi-talented lady, but is Ad Libitum, which sets out to blend country-rock, gospel and southern roots rock, any good?
Sadly, it’s of an over-egged pudding. Black’s vocal inflections make the lyrics difficult to follow, the material is a bit pedestrian and telegraphed, and lacking in show stopping hooks. Yes, there’s plenty of big guitars, chunky riffs, and fretboard noodling, and, lyrical delivery aside, Black gives a credible femme fatale vocal performance. But overall, there’s a general lack of finesse and focus.
Covering bases as diverse as those inhabited by Slash, Jim Steinman, Vixen and Bonnie Tyler, there’s one thing you need – killer songs, and, sadly, Ad Libitum falls short in that respect. And I have a real issue with the vocal delivery – for the most part, Black may just as well be singing in native tongue.
Probably great entertainment if you’re on the Costas looking for some flirty raunch & roll, but unlikely to translate to an overseas audience. **1/2
Review by Pete Whalley
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Latest session: Sunday 14 April
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 14 April 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 9 April 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 29 April 2024
BRIGITTE PURDY Sugar Fried Candy (Dirtshack Records)
ATTIC THEORY The Legacy (indie)
THE HOWLERS I Need Your Love (indie)
VELVETEEN QUEEN Bad Reputation (indie)
WILLS AND THE WILLING Scuffed Knees (Smash & Grab Music Ltd)
READY THE PRINCE Still Believe (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 29 April 2024
09:00-12:00 PRAYING MANTIS Defiance (Frontiers)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023
To see our Tweets you need to be logged in to an X (Twitter) account
Popular (last 10 days)
Share the post "Album review: BARBARA BLACK – Ad Libitum"
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
