By RICHARD GINTOWT
Despite having a voice that's as pure and reassuring as Paul Simon and James Taylor, Kansas City's Barclay Martin has always strived to work outside the singer-songwriter corral.
Since releasing his last album Promise on a String in 2004, the lanky troubadour assembled a dedicated band featuring some of KC's top jazz players: pianist Mark Lowery, bassist Rick Willoughby, drummer Giuliano Mingucci and Alacartoona singer Erin McGrane.
Taking their show to non-traditional venues like JP's Wine Bar and Bar Natasha, the group cultivated a cabaret spirit that showcased the talents of each member (i.e. Lowery's penchant for Afro-Cuban styles and McGrane's sultry jazz inflections). In the midst of this, Martin jetted off the Philippines to compose music for a documentary about the lives and customs of native communities.
These experiences no doubt informed his latest album Dawn, which will be toasted at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Performing Arts Center (4949 Cherry St.). Tickets are $12 and you can get a jump on them at www.barclaymartin.com. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to The HALO Foundation to benefit orphans.
MP3: Barclay Martin, "Queen of This Town"
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