Band/Musician: Jill Barber
Album: Chances
Label: Outside Music

By Eric Rosenhek

The easiest way to describe Jill Barber’s latest album, Chances, involves three words – old people music. This is by no means an insult. It’s just a simple way to explain the concept of this album.

Chances pays homage to what popular music was during the 1920’s, 30s, 40s and early 50s. It was a time of big bands, swing music and Tin Pan Alley. It was where singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Paul Anka made their mark. This was the type of music our grandparents listened to before the arrival of transistor radios and Elvis Presley. At this point, one might ask why younger generations should take interest in an album that features music for elderly ears. The answer to such a question relates to freshness and originality.

If Barber only had recorded an album of covers from that era, the result would be boring. What makes Chances such a unique album is the fact that it presents original material. Barber, with help from Ron Sexsmith and Les Cooper, has written ten songs which follows the style and feel of the big bands. She composes wholesome lyrics and sings them with genuine emotion, while Cooper provides the proper orchestral arrangement to complete her vision. The whole project fits in with the genre and Barber’s voice perfectly matches the vocals of singers from that period. This creative aspect makes Chances worth listening to.

Every song on this album is smooth. There is a sense that enough time and effort was given to each track. “Oh My My” is one of the songs that stands out. It’s a catchy tune that will lead to finger snapping and (perhaps) a desire to perform the jitterbug.

Chances is distinctive. Given Barber’s style of music, it can be classified as a concept album. Regardless, Barber deserves full credit for making an album that uses something old, but sounds new.

For more information on Jill Barber, please visit www.jillbarber.com