Matt Barber
"The
Matt Barber Experience"
Matt Barber's virtually
non-stop touring schedule has taken him from L.A. to New York and parts
of Canada – performing over 1000 concerts since graduating High School
in 2005.
With an uplifting Easy Listening style reminiscent of Michael Buble and
Barry Manilow, 22 year old singer/performer Matt delivers his songs with
a sincere, meaningful approach. His passion for music and touching
people’s hearts comes through in every song. Matt is experienced at
performing for audiences both big and small. No matter where he’s
performing, whether it be a group of 50 or an auditorium of 1,500, you
can count on an intimate experience as Matt pours out his entire heart
and soul into each song, as if the song was written with you in mind.
In November 2007 he released his fifth recording, “Romancing Nashville”,
a track 12 collection of classic Jazz standards from the 1940s through
today including songs famous by Frank Sinatra, Barry Manilow, The
Righteous Brothers, Glen Campbell, Michael Buble and more. These are
songs have been personal favorites as well as “audience favorites”. The
album, recorded and produced by Daniel Dennis of Dennis Productions in
Nashville, TN features phenomenal new arrangements by Alan McPike of Ayr,
Scotland and a special appearance on two songs by Brother Day, former
trumpet player for Ray Charles. The album is also Matt's debut release
for his new label, MB Records. “I have enjoyed working with such great
people and I am extremely proud of the new album,” says Matt.
Matt was born in Peoria, Illinois, where music was always a major part
of his life growing up. He took a deep interest in singing at the age of
10, listening to his dad Mark, a DJ on 101.3 KUUL-FM in the Quad Cities.
Matt also sang in choirs, and was exposed to music through his
grandmother who has been playing organ for over 50 years at her church,
and his mother, an amazing pianist. He always had a huge passion for
singing and dreamed of some day performing professionally. Heavily
influenced by groups including Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, The
Beach Boys, The Carpenters, and crooners such as Frank Sinatra, Andy
Williams, Tony Bennet, “The Rat Pack”, as well as newer artists such as
Josh Groban, Barry Manilow, and Michael Buble.
In November 2003, with the assistance of producer David Saelens, Matt
released his debut album "Easy Autumn," a collection of Easy Listening
music, written by Dave. In June 2004, Matt completed his second album
"Peaches and Cream," a collection of fun, upbeat music and loves songs
from the heart. Through his senior year of High School, Matt began to
hewn his craft by performing at every opportunity, from coffee houses,
to bookstores, to malls, to retirement centers. Wherever it was, Matt
was there to deliver uplifting songs, through his powerful, yet soft and
heart-warming vocals. From attending school during the day and
performing on a regular basis at night, to planning his first major US
Tour, it was a busy and exciting year. In June 2005, Matt released his
fourth album, "Let's Keep In Touch," an album dedicated to Matt's High
School graduating class.
Matt's show, also known as "The Matt Barber Experience" consists of
"fun, upbeat, and relaxing music from the heart." While Matt’s
performances vary from venue to venue, he describes his genre as a blend
of Easy Listening/Jazz and Oldies from yesterday and today. With a
variety of popular favorites spanning the past six decades, and original
music by David Saelens, Matt provides an extensive repertoire of music
making for a fun, relaxing, and interesting experience, for a romantic
evening with that special person, or a fun night which you can bring
your whole family to enjoy. “When I perform, I hope to bring some
happiness to people and make their evening a little more enjoyable. If I
can help people forget about their problems and feel uplifted, even for
one evening, then I’ve done my job.”
While Matt currently performs solo, he delivers a huge sound. It's
unique, unlike much of the music you'll hear being performed today or on
the radio. In 2007 and 2008 Matt has continued to tour relentlessly -
from L.A. to New York, and everywhere in between. His 2009 3-month
“Atlantic to Pacific Snowbird Tour” took him to many winter hot-spots
from Florida to California. Plans are to start work on a new album for
release this summer. "I hope those who hear the music will feel
uplifted."
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Material
