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, 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."
Buy Matt's New CD "Romancing Nashville" -
