JILL BARBER plays Massey Hall Saturday (April 30). See listing. Rating: NNNN
Jill Barber continues in the romantic direction of 2008’s Chances on her fourth album, a lush, cinematic homage to other eras’ popular music. Think Patsy Cline backed by Burt Bacharach, or the Wizard Of Oz soundtrack. Teaming up again with producer/co-writer Les Cooper, Barber’s cool-as-a-cucumber alto purr is supported by her tight band, backup singers (including the Good Lovelies and Emma-Lee) and the Mischievous Moon Chamber Players.
Kudos to Cooper and arranger/concertmaster Drew Jurecka for making the score sound more effortless than over-the-top this time around. Horns, woodwinds and vibraphone appear right on time, and the strings only get tiring near the end. Dark, sexy Tell Me, with soulful harmonies by Peter Elkas, is worthy of its Bondesque video (there’s a French version, too), and Ron Sexsmith helped pen Any Fool Can Fall In Love. Fans of Barber’s earlier folkier material will appreciate the stripped-down A Wish Under My Pillow.
Top track: Tell Me
