I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that Jill Barber’s record collection has everything from brooding torch singers to alt-country twangers and indie rock hipsters. And on her latest album, For All Time, she draws on all those influences to create a beautifully cohesive listening experience.
Born in Toronto, Barber decided to pursue her career from the small but strong music scene of Halifax. And though she’s still an independent artist—her brother Matthew has already snagged a major-label deal—Jill did manage to attract some high-profile help in the studio. Jim Cuddy and Bazil Donovan of Blue Rodeo turn up, as do Luke Doucet and her brother. But despite the guest vocalists and musicians, the production on For All Time really relies on Jill’s strengths as a singer and storyteller. There’s a real authenticity in her lyrics and a sincerity to her vocals that have attracted attention, garnered airplay and won her awards.
Over the course of the album, Barber shows her playful side on “When I’m Making Love to You,” gets meditative on “Ashes to Ashes” and is plaintive on “For All Time.” Her emotional range is what makes this album such a great listen.
There’s no shortage of popular and talented Canadian women recording and touring these days, but if you haven’t discovered Jill Barber yet, consider yourself tipped off.
