Matt Barber

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Matt Barber, 20 year old singer/entertainer releases his fifth recording since his debut release in 2003, “Romancing Nashville”, a track 12 collection of classic 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 Scotland and an 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.
Performing over 600 concerts since 2005, Matt’s impressive, virtually non-stop touring schedule has taken him from L.A. to New York, the entire East Coast from Maine to Florida and all over the Midwest and parts of Canada. Matt is experienced at performing for audiences both big and small. No matter the size audience or room, 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.
Matt was born in Peoria, Illinois, the heart of the U.S. where music was always a major part of his life growing up. Matt recalls one of his earliest memories sitting at the piano with his grandmother while she played and they sang together. Matt took a deep interest in singing at the age of 10, heavily influenced by acts such as Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, The Beach Boys, The Carpenters, and later soloists to include Barry Manilow, Brian Wilson, and Michael Buble. At a young age, Matt was exposed to many types of music on the radio, listening to his dad, a DJ on Davenport, IA Oldies station KUUL-FM. He dreamed of someday performing on stage and recording an album of his own. Throughout school, Matt was involved in choirs and loved singing at every opportunity.
In 2003, at the age of 16, with the help of good friend and producer David Saelens, Matt’s dream came true when he released his debut album "Easy Autumn," a collection of Easy Listening music. The next year was spent working on new material and deciding whether or not to record a new album and begin performing full time. 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 about love and happy times, 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. "My goal with each project is to make it better than the previous one. I feel the new album is superior both musically, vocally, and production wise. It's fun and relaxing, innocent, and yet not too serious. I'm very proud of it." This album is my best work to date.
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 general format as a blend of Easy Listening, Soft Rock/Jazz standards, and Caribbean. With a variety of original music, songs written by friend Dave, and popular favorites spanning the past four decades, including music by Frank Sinatra, Barry Manilow, Frankie Valli, to Sting and Michael Buble, Matt provides an extensive repertoire of music making for a fun, relaxing, and interesting experience which you can bring your whole family to enjoy.
In 2005 Matt completed a 10 state tour across the U.S., performing at over 100 different venues including cities like Des Moines, Omaha, Denver, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Las Vegas, L.A., San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento. The tour was a huge success and a career milestone for Matt. "You just have to get out there and go after your dream." The following year Matt toured the entire East Coast from Florida to Maine. Matt is truly passionate about performing, singing, and writing music and has put everything on the line to make his dream a reality. “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. It's basically music that makes you feel good. In 2007 Matt has continued to tour relentlessly - from L.A. to New York, and everywhere in between. Future winter tour destinations for 2008 include Florida, the gulf coast, Phoenix, Las Vegas and California. A possible tour of the Northwest is being considered for summer 2008. "I hope those who hear the music will feel uplifted. Look for Matt's new album "Romancing Nashville" available November 30th on CDbaby.com or through the Official Matt Barber Internet Site, www.MattBarberExperience.com.
Buy Matt's New CD "Romancing Nashville" -