Jill Barber shines at the Mod club

February 25th, 2009 posted by robb

Jill Barber w/the Hyzoloists
Mod Club
12.21.09
8.5/10

Jill Barber swooped through Toronto on a frigid Saturday in February, promoting her new album, Chances.  Using this night as her “official” launch party for this album, I couldn’t think of a better venue than the Mod Club to host.  With a hybrid of seats, cocktail tables and a giant mirrorball set, the venue was as classy and chic as our the beloved East Coast singer/songwriter who graced the stage.

CBC Radio3 host Grant Lawrence was the MC of the evening, kicking off the night with a heavily layered and resonant instrumental set from Toronto’s own Hyzoloists. There aren’t many times you get a chance to hear the xylophone (or is it a Marimba?) as the lead instrument in an indie band without it sounding like dissonant off-the-rails random indie band that Pitchfork somehow rated 9.2/10.  The Hyzolists were in actual fact very talented and experienced, knowing how to construct a composition with enough variation, layering and movement to keep audiences engaged and from leaving to grab a drink.

Jill Barber bounced onto the stage with a 50’s inspired skirt that fit the theme of her new album, Chances.  The bright and bouncy dress matched Barber’s beaming smile and enthusiasm, infectious to everyone watching and the music she performed.  Her signature seductive smoky alto voice worked in harmony with her 50s jazz/folk inspired music, staying true to the sound but still relevant to today.

Barber’s performance appeared effortless, captivating the audience though great storytelling and intros to the inspiration to her songs.  The highlight of the night was her performance of “Oh My My,” a song which could easily be mistaken as a classic Mississippi bluegrass folk tune sung in the Great Depression.  With hand clapping, toe stomping call and answers with the band/crowd, Jill had everyone moving and singing to the beat.

Jill Barber’s set also included some of her classic love/lust songs such as “For All Time,” “Two Brown Eyes” and “When I’m Making Love To You”, reminding us why we fell in love with her in the first place.  Overall it was a great show and one leaving everyone with a big smile on their face and little pride in finding a Canadian talent so genuine that can connect with listeners from all ages and backgrounds.

REVIEWED BY: ROBB ENG

Section: Reviews

Tagged as: concert, mod club, singer/songwriter, toronto