Matthew Barber & Jill Barber make music a family affair

October 28, 2016

Award-winning siblings bring The Family Album tour to River Run Centre November 12

GUELPH, ON October 28, 2016 – Jill Barber is an award-winning singer whose jazzy performances evoke feelings of a bygone era. Her brother Matthew is one of Canada’s most respected and admired singer-songwriters.

The siblings came together earlier this year to create The Family Album, a recording that weaves original works and timeless classics in a display of their unique musical talents.

“Matt and I have always been close musical friends and confidantes, but we’ve each been focused on building our respective solo careers over the last 15 years,” Jill says. “We’ve always talked about collaborating on a sibling musical project and the stars and schedules finally aligned.”

Music fans can hear the fruits of the Barbers’ family collaboration when River Run Centre presents Matthew Barber & Jill Barber – The Family Album on Saturday, November 12, at 8 p.m. The Main Stage performance is presented as part of the Richardson GMP Music Series.

A project the brother and sister say was a lifetime in the making, The Family Album includes five new Barber compositions, as well as a selection of great Canadian songs including Neil Young’s Comes A Time and Ian Tyson’s Summer Wages. Songs on The Family Album – which was also produced by the Barber siblings – were chosen for their personal significance, relevance to the album’s theme of family, or just how much fun they are to play.

The Family Album clearly shows the Barber siblings share a unique musical chemistry.

“We seem to have the same instincts as singers and our voices blend pretty well together,” Matthew says. “And we’ve known each other so long that it’s like second nature performing together.”

Throughout eight records, Matthew has stayed close to the folk and roots style of his favourite artists, which include Neil Young and Bob Dylan. He is a Juno Award nominee. Jill is the recipient of multiple East Coast Music Awards and Western Canadian Music Awards, as well as a two-time Juno Award nominee. Her recent album Fool’s Gold debuted at No. 1 on the Canadian jazz charts.

While the siblings have won many accolades, they say the best reward for creating music is feedback from their fans.

“It’s always nice to be recognized for your work by the industry,” Jill says. “But what means the most to me is when people turn up for live shows, when they make the effort to come out and support artists on tour.”

Fans attending the Barbers’ River Run Centre concert can expect a dynamic performance featuring impeccable musicianship and harmonies, storytelling and insights into the Barber family.

“We are touring with a stellar backing band and will be presenting a mix of new material from The Family Album and old favourites,” Jill says. “We’ve put a lot of love and thought into our performances.”

Tickets to see Matthew Barber & Jill Barber – The Family Album cost $44 for adults and $42 for seniors and students. $20 uGO tickets are available to university and college students with valid ID. $5 eyeGO tickets are available to high school students with valid ID. Tickets can be purchased at River Run Centre box office, 35 Woolwich St. in Guelph, by calling 519-763-3000, or online at riverrun.ca/matthew-barber-jill-barber-the-family-album.

Media Contact:

Angela McEwen
Marketing and Development Coordinator
River Run Centre
519-837-5662 extension 2493
[email protected]

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