Starting relatively late for a performer and after several detours caused by exposure to and interest in other musical genres as well a back injury, Barbara Adamson belatedly arrived on the jazz scene in the 1990s. As a child, Adamson took piano lessons, which had to be prematurely terminated due to family financial problems. Undaunted, during the 1960s she taught herself guitar, turned on to the blues and RB, became infatuated with the Beatles and Motown before starting to focus on classic jazz. The defining moment came as a result of attending a music camp run by jazz vocalist Madeline Eastman where one of the teachers was bass player and musical educator Rufus Reid. Adamson has since studied at the Jazz School in Berkeley, California in the company of such fine vocalists as Kelleye Grey and Rebecca Parris. Her singing style and approach have been influenced by such jazz luminaries as Shirley Horn, Kurt Elling, Miles Davis, Rachelle Ferrell (especially her live performances) and Sarah Vaughan in addition to Eastman. The diversity of styles and performing versatility of these influences are reflected in Adamson's maiden album, Now Is the Time, released in 1999 on her own Stet Records. Like so many other good singers of her generation, Adamson has found that the only way to get her talent before the public is to self-produce an album. The album is an eclectic, entertaining balance of favorite standards and modern bop-influenced material.

Having studied Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Sculpture & Photography at Michigan State University from 1970-1975, Adamson supplements her jazz activities by working as an art director. Living and performing in California and other West Coast venues, Barbara Adamson with her cool voice, excellent phrasing and interpretive abilities is destined to have a fine career in jazz, even though it took her a while to get her show on the road. ~ Dave Nathan, Rovi