“Barton is a great artist, no question, with an imperturbable steadiness of tone, and a nobility of utterance that invites comparison not so much with her contemporaries as with mid-20th century greats such as Kirsten Flagstad or Karin Branzell." The Guardian
“Barton's gifts were evident at once - in particular a gleaming vocal tone that is evenly produced throughout a large range, and the ability to shape a vocal line with both precision and emotional urgency…full of psychological nuance.” San Francisco Chronicle
"Although Barton is rapidly establishing herself as one of the most important young voices in opera, it is in the intimate space of the recital hall where she shines brightest. Barton’s innate charm and communicative urgency radiated through her amber-hued voice and warm, Mona Lisa-smile directly to the audience." The New York Times
"Barton provided an indelible demonstration of why the young mezzo-soprano has become the latest darling of the American opera scene. Her sound is the darkly creamy lager that poured forth from altos of yore. Yet she displays the craft of a superior modern singer..." Los Angeles Times
"She is a fresh wonder of the opera world, possessing a voice of preternatural beauty and power. She has a remarkable ability to keep the vocal line afloat amid pauses for breath; she'd swell on a note, take a breath, and then resume at even greater volume, tricking the ear into thinking that the phrase had never been broken. To see these young artists reveling together in their voices makes you believe unswervingly in the future of the art." The Rest is Noise
“Jamie Barton’s mezzo-soprano has a velvety richness that descends to cavernous, chesty depths — basically it’s a voice that you want to eat with a spoon.” The London Times
“Jamie Barton, singing so beautifully in Das Rheingold, proves she has vocal balls of steel as well, delivering a Fricka of power and considerable subtlety. Wheedling, cajoling, commanding, she can play the kitten, gently twitting her husband’s nose, but in this relationship it is she who is determined to wear the palazzo pants. The voice is still creamy, but when the top notes fly, the audience are pinned to their seats. For a woman who seems the up-and-coming bel canto mezzo of the moment, she’s one hell of a versatile singer.” Limelight Magazine
