Canadian songstress Jill Barber was in Prince Rupert last week, thanks to the Prince Rupert Concert Society, performing the thirtieth concert in her Canada-wide tour promoting her newest album Mischievous Moon.
Barber, a Juno Award nominee, walked on stage and declared, “I am helpless to the spell cast by moonlight,” before starting off the concert with the title track from Mischievous Moon. During the first half of the show, Barber performed many songs from Mischievous Moon including, Tell Me, and Steal Away.
Accompanying Barber on stage was her five-piece back-up band of men dressed up handsomely in black, playing instruments such as the keyboards, stand-up bass, electric guitar, violin, drums, accordion, and clarinet during the concert.
Barber and her band displayed chemistry, appearing to be extremely close. Barber took the time to individually introduce each member of her band during the performance.
In hindsight the six would have to be close, as they have been traveling around the country together since the end of August. Barber and her band spent last week touring locations around northern British Columbia, a first for herself and the band.
“It’s a great experience for us to be up here.” Barber told the audience at the Lester Centre.
British Columbia has become Barber’s new home, as she recently moved to the province for her husband.
“Love is the reason I live in Vancouver, I followed my heart there.” Said Barber, referring to her husband Grant Lawrence, who is a national broadcaster and author.
During the first set, Barber performed Never Quit Loving You and Be My Man from her 2008 album, Chances, before finishing the set with A Wish Under My Pillow.
For the first half of the concert, Barber wore a dress that sparkled like stars the night sky, while her second outfit reflected the darkness of the sky without the moon.
After returning on stage for the second part of the concert, Barber and her band performed Took Me By Surprise another song for Mischievous Moon.
While performing Ashes to Ashes from her 2006 released album, For All Time, Barber took the stage by her lonesome, playing the acoustic guitar before her band rejoined her half way through the song.
Barber used her charismatic charm while singing Please Don’t Let Me Go, and with a little convincing got the crowd to sing along. Barber did a tremendously job engaging with her audience, nick-naming Prince Rupert “The Rup” by the end of the evening.
The concert was ended with an encore performance of “Lullaby”, a relaxing tune also featured on Mischievous Moon.