ABOUT BARB GORDON

Barb Gordon's smoky, deep and lilting sound sets her apart from other vocalists. Known and loved for her energy and obvious love of her craft, she is one of the most exciting and entertaining performers to hit the Toronto jazz scene in years.

 

An old soul with a fresh style, Barb channels a wide range of artists, including Billie Holiday, Betty Carter, Joan Armatrading, Barbra Streisand, Joni Mitchell, and Blossom Dearie in her renditions of beloved standards and lesser-known gems. Her sound and delivery, however, are characterized by Barb's distinctive interpretations and contagious enthusiasm for the music.

 

Her first album, “Eight to the Bar," received positive reviews and grew Barb's fan base around the world. Her recent release, “For the Record,” was produced by acclaimed Toronto musician/writer/producer Michael Maxwell, and engineered by Jeff Wolpert. Joining Barb is a brilliant rhythm section including the electric Adrean Farrugia on piano,  Mark Cashion on bass and Ted Warren on drums; along with an amazing lineup of Canada's finest musicians on the guitars, strings and horns.

 

Barb's album names, "For the Record" and "Eight to the Bar," are tongue-in-cheek nods to her "other life" practicing law in her Toronto family law firm. Audiences are intrigued by her back story and inspired by her energy, enthusiasm, and desire to live all aspects of her very full life to the fullest.

 

Barb performs in a wide range of Toronto-area venues, including the The Home Smith Bar, Gate 403, and The Mad Bean Coffee House.

"It's Barb's sultry voice that got me. The way she curls it around her lyrics – always soulful and often playful she draws you in to her smoky jazz."

 

Kelly Thornton

artistic director
Nightwood Theatre