Jill Barber

The Canadian-based singer-songwriter makes some of the most beautiful folk-inspired music I’ve heard of late. Her rich, old-timey voice beguiles her youthful appearance, but is the perfect counterpart for the instruments she enlists in many of her songs.

Barber’s solo career began after the break-up of the indie folk-pop outfit, Bent Ivy, and in 2002, she independently released A Note To Follow So, an eight-song collection whose songs found ears through college radio and served as a platform for the accolades that would follow.

From this album is the lyrically strong ‘In Perfect Time,’ and ‘Two Brown Eyes,’ whose seemingly simple formula invites a mood which is genuinely intoxicating.

Sadly, A Note To Follow So is no longer available.

Barber’s second release was the six-song EP, Oh Heart, released in 2004 with the Dependent label.

Oh Heart offers further proof of Barber’s talent. It’s title track is a waltz-worthy, string-laced song of troubled lovers which is the perfect song to introduce Barber to new fans.

Also noteworthy is the equally exceptional ‘Measures & Scales’ on which Barber sings: “I am just a dreamer wearing sensible shoes / And I still dream in color even though I sing the blues.”

Barber’s brand of jazz-inspired folk fits nicely with artists like Sylvie Lewis, Sarah Harmer and Patty Griffin, yet is thankfully unique. I impatiently await a full-length release as I’m sure does the rest of her growing following.

WWW

Jill Barber (official site)