Jill Barber: A Fresh Take On The Songbook Sound
The songs of Jill Barber seem to come from another time, when melody reigned supreme. It's a genre-shifting sound in the tradition of jazz standards and the American Songbook, yet also folds in the feeling of Brill Building-era pop songs, Motown, and even classic country music, thanks memorable and romantic hooks that linger.
The Canadian vocalist's latest album, Fool’s Gold, was inspired, in part by Barber becoming a new mother. With free time at a premium, Barber says she couldn't afford to second-guess her songwriting, relying instead on instinct to capture ideas in the moment. Still, that immediacy showcases the versatility and electricity of her songwriting and arrangements -- which draw from influences as diverse as Etta James and Hank Williams. This melding of the current with the traditional offers a fresh take on an American staple, yielding an evocative sound all her own.
Jill Barber performs tonight at Joe's Pub.
