Douglas McLean chats with Del Barber about his new release, ‘Stray Dogs’, for his latest Sound Cafe Podcast 'Backstage'. Del's collection of so-called unfinished demos, takes us even deeper into his chosen art form. There is not one song out of place and every one hits the mark.
You can listen to the entire interview and music HERE
Del Barber has what surely must be considered a quintessential Canadian voice – natural, pure and tender. His songs are sparked with imagery that only a person deeply connected to a vast open space could conjure. With his new release, ‘Stray Dogs’, a collection of so-called unfinished demos, Barber takes us even deeper into his chosen art form. There is not one song out of place and every one hits the mark.
Often referred to as Canada’s John Prine, Barber’s songs do have characters and misadventures, but there can really be no comparison. Barber is a distinctive artist, weaving his tales in an approach both vocally and musically that is entirely his own. Presented through a veil of pedal steel and lush guitars, Barber’s beautiful singing floats inside these tunes like a call from a dear distant friend, as fresh as the dew, glittering over a field in a bright summer sunrise.
Following up on his 2020 Juno-nominated album, Easy Keeper, Stray Dogs has a touch of something for every taste. More importantly, Barber lets you in, invites you to spend time with a maturing songwriter, continuing to hone his song craft. Polished to a fine gloss, they reflect back all that he has learned, felt and seen and they shine. Although subtly titled ‘B Sides’, every song is an A plus to my ears. Nothing exemplifies this more than the closing tune, ‘Just A Little Heat’, which plies all the characteristics of a Del Barber classic – understated, plaintive, and direct. Comforting and soothing in its cloak of simple mandolin and guitar, Del holds you close through the storm and points to where the sun peaks through a far horizon, clouded with weather. All things must pass and we know it. We are so lucky to have Del Barber singing by our side as we journey onward. -DMc
FEATURED SONGS:
Ronnie and Rose
Meantime
Friends Like Us
Love & Wine
Coming Home With the Summer
Just A Little Heat
You can listen to the entire interview and music HERE
Website: delbarber.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Delbarber
Twitter: twitter.com/delbarberino
Instagram: www.instagram.com/delbarber