Songstress Jill Barber takes “Chances” at Astor

Stepping away from her folkier past, Barber’s album still delivers her distinctive sultry vocals in an album of 10 original, fully orchestrated songs that strongly evoke – and could themselves become - classics.

She is appearing at The Astor Theatre on Nov. 5. From the moment you hear her sultry voice on the opening title track, you are transported to another time and place. “The best songs ever written are the ones that somehow transcend time and fashion, “says Barber. ”They may be old, but they haven’t aged; it is that timeless quality that I aspire to in my own songwriting.”

2008 continues to be a very busy year for the double Juno Award nominee.

Drawing on the classic orchestral style from the 1950s Chances invokes Barber’s life and career and will be showcased to her audiences throughout Canada this Oct.

This January, at the Banff Centre, Barber collaborated with Ron Sexsmith and producer-arranger-guitarist Les Cooper in writing her new album. “This was the first time that I had opened myself up to the idea of a musical collaboration. It was an amazing experience and forced me to stretch my own songwriting muscles,” exclaims Barber.

From Banff to Toronto, Chances was recorded at Blue Rodeo’s Woodshed Studios, which features string and horn arrangements that were separately recorded at the famed Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto.

Exquisite guest vocals by the Good Lovelies, The Sojourners and a special appearance by Ron Sexsmith complete this timeless album.

Barber has proven to be one of Canada’s leading singer-songwriters, having been nominated for over 20 awards and was the winner of the East Coast Music Awards for FACTOR Recording of the Year and Female Solo Recording of the Year. Barber has previously toured with acts such as Wintersleep, Joel Plaskett, Josh Ritter and Ron Sexsmith.

The album is available online and in stores. Visit www.jillbarber.com www.outside-music.ca