Oftentimes in the birthplace of jazz, contemporary voices get left out of media coverage tailored for a “traditional” jazz audience. However, as long as rising New Orleans songbird Robin Barnes continues to prove her dynamic chops both on the trad jazz circuit as well as within the contemporary or “neo” soul scene, she might just evade this common conundrum about town here.

Robin Barnes releases new EP at July 10 show. (Photo: Nolagraphic Productions)

Although the term “neo soul” is indeed questionable (as all soul music is soul, regardless of age), Barnes is beginning to make noise on the younger “neo” soul radar while still maintaining respected performance residencies typically reserved for trad jazz artists. For instance, you can catch her on Fridays at the Hotel Monteleone’s revolving jazz staple, the Carousel Bar with her quartet. Or, you can experience a whole other side of the versatile vocalist this Wednesday, July 10 at the Eiffel Society modern art and music club, where she will host her new EP release party.

Barnes’ forthcoming album promises to weave together some traditional jazz and soul sensibilities with more up-tempo R&B grooves and even some funk-rock leanings. If the first single, “What I Gotta Do” off the album preview EP is any indication, we might just be in for a real treat — a departure from anything that can be pigeonholed into any one genre. Stream the single on her website here.

Other diverse tracks from Barnes on her site, like her take on Kanye West’s “Heartless,” imply that we might even hear hip-hop on this new project. And given that she has also recently collaborated with New Orleans bounce / hip-hop artist Ricky B, who knows what we can expect at Wednesday’s release party. She’ll introduce the EP, simply entitled Me, with a live performance featuring DJ Diagnosis at Wednesday’s event starting at 8 p.m. on July 10 at 2040 St. Charles Ave.