There is everything in there: the strings, the smiling swing like the silky ballads, a French-speaking Christmas, a country-Hawaiian digression, even a polka and above all the inimitable voice and the sparkling personality of the Vancouverite, Jill Barber. There’s no doubt that a Christmas album of classics by the popular singer is already, at the moment of its release, something of a classic in itself. Drew Jurecka’s arrangements adequately make room for the artist, without soaking her in the velvet of the strings or the shine of the brass. The result is an effective balance, ensured by solid partners, in addition to the orchestra: Ewen Farncombe (piano), Nathan Hiltz (guitar), Chris Banks (bass), and Davide Direnzo (drums).
The more than friendly Jill Barber is currently on her pre-Christmas tour in Nova Scotia with concerts scheduled in Chester on December 5, in Windsor on the 6th, in Margaretsville on the 7th, and the conclusion in Halifax on the 10th.
