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{{short description|Canadian-American indie folk band}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = The Barr Brothers

| name = The Barr Brothers
| image =
| background = group_or_band
| image_size =
| image =
| landscape = yes
| image_size =
| caption =
| landscape =
| origin = [[Montreal]], Quebec, Canada
| caption =
| genre = {{hlist|[[Indie folk]]|[[Delta blues]]}}
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| years_active = 2006–present
| origin = [[Montreal]], [[Quebec]], [[Canada]]
| genre = [[Folk music|Folk]], [[Delta Blues]]
| label = [[Secret City Records|Secret City]]
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| website = {{URL|http://www.thebarrbrothers.com/}}
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| years_active = 2006–present
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| current_members = [[Brad Barr]]<br>[[Andrew Barr (musician)|Andrew Barr]]<br>Morgan Moore<br>Brett Lanier<br>Eveline Gregoire-Rousseau
| label = [[Secret City Records|Secret City]]
| past_members = Sarah Pagé<br>Andrés "Andy" Vial<br>Joe Grass
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| website = {{URL|http://www.thebarrbrothers.com/}}
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| current_members = [[Brad Barr]] (guitar, vocals)<br> [[Andrew Barr (musician)|Andrew Barr]] (drums, percussion, vocals, keys)<br>
}}
}}


'''The Barr Brothers''' is an indie folk band founded in [[Montreal]], [[Quebec]], consisting of two American brothers [[Andrew Barr (musician)|Andrew]] and [[Brad Barr]] as well as bassist Morgan Moore, [[Pedal steel guitar|pedal steel guitarist]] Brett Lanier, harpist Evelyn Gregoria Rousseau and a rotating cast of Montreal musicians.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thebarrbrothers.com |title=News |publisher=The Barr Brothers |date= |accessdate=2011-09-07}}</ref>
'''The Barr Brothers''' is an [[indie folk]] band founded in [[Montreal]], Quebec in 2006, consisting of two American brothers [[Andrew Barr (musician)|Andrew]] (drums, percussion, vocals, keyboards) and [[Brad Barr]] (guitar, vocals), as well as bassist Morgan Moore, [[Pedal steel guitar|pedal steel guitarist]] Brett Lanier, and [[harp]]ist Eveline Gregoire-Rousseau.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thebarrbrothers.com |title=News |publisher=The Barr Brothers |date= |accessdate=2011-09-07}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
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Originally raised and located in [[Providence, RI]], Brad and Andrew Barr moved to Montreal, QC from [[Boston, MA]] in 2005, after a decade of touring and recording as two-thirds of the trio [[The Slip (band)|The Slip]]; The group notable for its approach to long-form, live [[Improvisation]], and equally considered part of the [[Jam band]] and [[Experimental music]] scenes.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.jambase.com/article/the-art-of-the-sit-in-marc-friedman|title=The Art of the Sit-In {{!}} Marc Friedman|date=2014-06-24|work=JamBase|access-date=2017-03-22|language=en-US}}</ref>
Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the group consists of two brothers: drummer [[Andrew Barr (musician)|Andrew Barr]] and songwriter and guitar player [[Brad Barr]], both from Providence, Rhode Island. The third original member is harpist Sarah Pagé who discontinued touring with the band in 2018. Other instrumentation and musicians are added on tour, as needed.


Soon after moving to Montreal and into his new apartment in 2005, singer-songwriter and guitarist Brad Barr heard the sounds of a harp being played next door, and after building the courage, he went next door to introduce himself to his neighbor at the time, Sarah Pagé.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Londono |first=John |date=October 22, 2014 |title=The Barr Brothers On World Cafe |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/world-cafe/2014/10/22/357852526/the-barr-brothers-on-world-cafe |access-date=August 16, 2024 |website=NPR (National Public Radio)}}</ref> Pagé at the time had been performing both in classical contexts, and working to developing music with singer-songwriter [[Lhasa de Sela]]. Andrew Barr soon began performing with Lhasa in 2009, as well. Soon enough the trio of Andrew Barr, Brad Barr, and Sarah Pagé began performing songs written by Brad, and Andrew, songs under The Barr Brothers name. Building upon the songs with [[Mali]]an rhythms, [[Slide guitar]], homemade percussion instruments, and influences from [[Delta blues]], modern classical, and [[Appalachian music]]al traditions.
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Brad and Andrew Barr moved to Montreal from Providence, RI in 2005 after a decade of touring and recording as ⅔ of the trio, [[The Slip (band)|The Slip]]. That group was noted for its approach to long-form, live improvisation and was equally considered part of the jam band and experimental music scenes.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.jambase.com/article/the-art-of-the-sit-in-marc-friedman|title=The Art of the Sit-In {{!}} Marc Friedman|date=2014-06-24|work=JamBase|access-date=2017-03-22|language=en-US}}</ref>


The Barr Brothers' recordings have been nominated three times for [[Juno Award|Juno Awards]]: in 2013, 2015 and 2018, for Adult Alternative Album of the Year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Past Nominees & Winners, The Barr Brothers |url=https://junoawards.ca/awards/past-winners-nominees/?search_year_val1=1970&search_year_val2=2022&search_category_val=&search_wins_val=no&tag_search_val=The+Barr+Brothers&submit=submit |website=junoawards.ca |publisher=Juno Awards |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> Their debut, studio album ''The Barr Brothers''<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Barr Brothers - Secret City Records |url=https://www.secretcityrecords.com/shop/the-barr-brothers/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Secret City Records |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Barr Brothers – The Barr Brothers |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/455409-The-Barr-Brothers-The-Barr-Brothers |website=discogs.com |publisher=Discogs |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> was released on September 27, 2011 and focused on acoustic and electrified songs rooted in [[Appalachian folk music|Appalachian folk]] and [[folk rock]]. Their second studio album ''Sleeping Operator'' released on October 6, 2014<ref>{{cite web |title=The Barr Brothers – Sleeping Operator |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/785460-The-Barr-Brothers-Sleeping-Operator |website=discogs.com |publisher=Discogs |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> further explored the connections between the Delta blues and its West/North African ancestry. Leftover songs from the ''Sleeping Operator'' sessions were released as a five-track collection ''Alta Falls, released on'' April 27, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Barr Brothers – Alta Falls |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/1702410-The-Barr-Brothers-Alta-Falls |website=discogs.com |publisher=Discogs |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> The tracks on the ''Alta Falls'' EP were partially recorded in Iceland by Valgeir Sigurösson ([[Björk]], [[Sigur Rós]] and [[Nico Muhly]]). The band's third album ''Queens of the Breakers'' was released on October 17, 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Barr Brothers – Queens Of The Breakers |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/1252234-The-Barr-Brothers-Queens-Of-The-Breakers |website=discogs.com |publisher=Discogs |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> In that same year, Secret City Records released a split album called ''Live'', the first half of such titled ''[[Patrick Watson (musician)|Patrick Watson]] & L'Orchestre Cinéma L'Amour - Live At Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste 2013'' De Montréal in 2015, with the second half of the album titled ''The Barr Brothers - Live At Festival International De Jazz De Montréal 2015''<ref>{{cite web |title=Patrick Watson / The Barr Brothers – Live |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/10175653-Patrick-Watson-2-The-Barr-Brothers-Live |website=discogs.com |date=22 April 2017 |publisher=Discogs |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> On December 4, 2023, two new outtakes from the Sleeping Operator sessions were released exclusively through [https://www.patreon.com/thebarrbrothers The Barr Brothers' Patreon] page.
Soon after moving to Montreal, Brad heard the sounds of a harp through the bedroom wall of his new apartment. He went next door to introduce himself to Sarah Pagé, who was performing both in classical contexts and developing music with the songwriter [[Lhasa de Sela]]. Andrew also began performing with Lhasa. Soon the trio of Andrew, Brad and Sarah began performing Brad's songs under the Barr Brothers name, building upon them with Malian rhythms, slide guitar, homemade percussion instruments, and influences from blues, Celtic and Appalachian folk traditions.The band's recordings have twice been nominated for [[Juno Award|Juno Awards]] (in 2013 and 2015 for Adult Alternative Album of the Year.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://junoawards.ca/awards/?from-year=2011&to-year=2017&nomination-category=&wins-only=no&artist=The+Barr+Brothers|title=Awards {{!}} The JUNO Awards|work=The JUNO Awards|access-date=2017-03-20|language=en-US}}</ref>). Their self-titled debut album ''The Barr Brothers'' was released in 2011 and focused on acoustic and electrified songs rooted in [[Appalachian folk music|Appalachian folk]]. Second album ''Sleeping Operator'' (2014) further explored the connections between the Delta blues and its West and North African ancestry. Leftover songs from the ''Sleeping Operator'' sessions were released as a five-track collection ''Alta Falls'' (2015). Their third album ''Queens of the Breakers'' will be released in autumn 2017.


The band tours frequently in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe with some shows played in Japan. Notable venues have included Levon Helm's studio in Woodstock NY; [[Red Rocks Amphitheatre|Red Rocks Amphitheater]]; two appearances on the [[Late Show with David Letterman]].
The band frequently tours in the United States, [[Canada]], the United Kingdom, and Europe, with few shows played in Japan. Notable venues have included [[Levon Helm]]'s studio in [[Woodstock, New York]], the [[Red Rocks Amphitheatre|Red Rocks Amphitheater]], and two appearances on the ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]''.


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== 2011–2013: ''The Barr Brothers'' ===
=== 2011–2013: ''The Barr Brothers'' ===
The Barr Brothers toured throughout North America and Europe to support ''The Barr Brothers'', with notable appearances including the 2011 [[Montreal International Jazz Festival]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Halle |first1=Karina |title=Festival Recap, Nov 2011 |url=https://consequence.net/2011/11/festival-recap-the-top-10-sets-at-m-for-montreal-2011/5/ |website=consequence.net |date=23 November 2011 |publisher=Consequence |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> and the 2011 [[Osheaga Festival|Osheaga]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Osheaga 2011: The Barr Brothers |url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/music/osheaga-2011-the-barr-brothers |website=montrealgazette.com |publisher=Montreal Gazette |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> They opened for [[Ben Harper]] and [[Deer Tick (band)|Deer Tick]],<ref>{{cite web |title=The Barr Brothers's Concert History |url=https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/the-barr-brothers?page=2#concert-table |website=concertarchives.org |publisher=Concert Archives |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> played the [[CMJ]] Music Marathon and, in January 2012, made their first appearance on the ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Solomon |first1=Rachelle |title=The Barr Brothers after The Late Show with David Letterman, Jan 2012 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/breakaway/rachelle-solomon/2012/01/06/the-barr-brothers-on-the-late-show-with-david-letterman/ |website=cbc.ca |publisher=CBC Radio |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> Their song "Beggar In The Morning" debuted on ''[[Paste Magazine]]'' in March 2012,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Barr Brothers - Beggar In The Morning |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/the-barr-brothers/the-barr-brothers-beggar-in-the-morning/ |website=Paste Magazine |publisher=pastemagazine.com |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> and they had a headline slot on the main stage Scène TD de la place des Festivals at the 2013 [[Montreal Jazz Festival]];<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dacks |first1=David |title=Montreal Jazz Festival...June 2013 |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/montreal_jazz_festival_rounds_out_2013_programming_announcements_with_amadou_mariam_poirier_more |website=exclaim.ca |publisher=Exclaim! |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> Their song "Ooh, Belle" was used in an episode of the television series ''[[Touch (2012 TV series)|Touch]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Touch Soundtrack |url=https://www.tunefind.com/show/touch/season-1/11039#songs |website=tunefind.com |publisher=Tunefind |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref>
Their first song "Beggar In The Morning" debuted on [[Paste Magazine]]. Their debut, self-titled LP was released on September 27, 2011 via [[Secret City Records]].[[The Barr Brothers#cite note-2|[2]]] The band toured throughout North America and Europe to support the record, with notable appearances including [[Osheaga Festival|Osheaga]], a first performance on the [[Late Show with David Letterman]], and a headline slot on the main stage Scène TD de la place des Festivals at the [[Montreal Jazz Festival]], performing for a crowd estimated at more than 30,000. Notable media appearances included the use of "Ooh, Belle" in an episode of the television series [[Touch (2012 TV series)|Touch]]. The album went on to receive a Juno Nomination in 2013 for Adult Alternative Album of the Year.<ref name=":1" />


=== 2014–2016: ''Sleeping Operator, Alta Falls'' ===
=== 2014–2016: ''Sleeping Operator, Alta Falls'' ===
Shortly before the release of ''Sleeping Operator'', The Barr Brothers performed at Oregon's [[Pickathon]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ash |first1=Alex |title=The Barr Brothers Live...Sept 2014 |url=https://zumic.com/the-barr-brothers-live-at-kexp-pickathon-youtube-videos |website=zumic.com |date=4 September 2014 |publisher=Zumic |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> In addition to the Juno nomination, the band was nominated as Most Illustrious Band Outside of Quebec by [[ADISQ]], the Quebec music award council, and the album was nominated as Anglophone Album of the Year. They also received a nomination for Anglophone Show of the Year.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kelly |first1=Brendan |title=...ADISQ nominations, Sept 2015 |url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/jean-leloup-louis-jean-cormier-lead-adisq-nominations |website=montrealgazette.com |publisher=Montreal Gazette |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref>
In the interim between records, the band made a notable live performance at Oregon's [[Pickathon]] in 2014.

Their sophomore album Sleeping Operator was released in October 2014. Award nominations included a 2016 nod for Most Illustrious Band Outside of Quebec by ADISQ, the Quebec music award council and a 2015 Juno nomination for Adult Alternative Album of the Year.

The record was promoted with global touring. Notable support dates included shows with [[Calexico (band)|Calexico]] and [[My Morning Jacket]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thebarrbrothers.com/europeuk-tour-with-calexico/|title=Europe/UK tour with Calexico {{!}} The Barr Brothers|website=thebarrbrothers.com|language=en-CA|access-date=2017-03-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://redrocksonline.com/concerts-events/detail/my-morning-j-5-29-2016|title=Red Rocks Entertainment Concerts {{!}} Concerts Events {{!}} Detail {{!}} My Morning J 5 29 2016|website=redrocksonline.com|language=en|access-date=2017-03-23}}</ref>in the United States and Europe. The My Morning Jacket tour included the Barr Brothers first performance at Colorado's [[Red Rocks Amphitheatre]].


The record was promoted with global touring. Notable support dates included shows with [[Calexico (band)|Calexico]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Calexico Releasing a New Album...Feb 2015 |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/calexico-releas-1/ |website=brooklynvegan.com |date=10 February 2015 |publisher=Brooklyn Vegan |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> and [[My Morning Jacket]]<ref>{{cite web |title=The Barr Brother Announce World Tour...Jan 2015 |url=https://jambands.com/news/2015/01/30/the-barr-brother-announce-world-tour-dates-juno-award-nomination/ |website=jambands.com |date=30 January 2015 |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thebarrbrothers.com/europeuk-tour-with-calexico/|title=Europe/UK tour with Calexico {{!}} The Barr Brothers|website=thebarrbrothers.com|language=en-CA|access-date=2017-03-23|archive-date=2017-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324174133/http://thebarrbrothers.com/europeuk-tour-with-calexico/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://redrocksonline.com/concerts-events/detail/my-morning-j-5-29-2016|title=Red Rocks Entertainment Concerts {{!}} Concerts Events {{!}} Detail {{!}} My Morning J 5 29 2016|website=redrocksonline.com|language=en|access-date=2017-03-23|archive-date=2017-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324084256/http://redrocksonline.com/concerts-events/detail/my-morning-j-5-29-2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> in the United States and Europe. The My Morning Jacket tour included the Barr Brothers' first performance at Colorado's [[Red Rocks Amphitheatre]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Barr Brothers To Support My Morning Jacket... |url=https://www.highroadtouring.com/the-barr-brothers-to-support-my-morning-jacket-on-u-s-tour-dates/ |website=highroadtouring.com |publisher=High Road Touring |access-date=3 March 2022 |archive-date=3 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303083646/https://www.highroadtouring.com/the-barr-brothers-to-support-my-morning-jacket-on-u-s-tour-dates/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
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As headliners, the group were invited to perform at the Midnight Ramble Sessions at the Levon Helm studios in Woodstock, NY, performed on the main stage at [[Osheaga Festival|Osheaga]], and Yellowknife, Canada's Folk on The Rocks festival. Their most notable headline show was at the Grand Évènement of the [[Montreal Jazz Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/program/concert.aspx?id=11984|title=Concert: The Barr Brothers - Festival International de Jazz de Montréal|access-date=2017-03-20}}</ref>, playing to an estimated crowd of 50,000. Many musician friends made appearances at this show: [[Patrick Watson (musician)|Patrick Watson]], Robbie Kuster (Patrick Watson), Joe Grass, Michelle Tompkins (Sin & Swoon), Mamadou Kouyaté, Laurel Sprengelmeyer ([[Little Scream]]).<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.mattv.ca/the-barr-brothers/|title=The Barr Brothers au Festival de jazz|date=2015-07-02|work=MatTV|access-date=2017-03-23|language=fr-FR}}</ref>


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As headliners, the band performed with [[Marco Benevento]] at the Midnight Ramble Sessions at the [[Levon Helm]] studios in Woodstock NY,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Barr Brothers and Marco Benevento Collaborate...May 2016 |url=https://jambands.com/news/2016/05/09/the-barr-brothers-and-marco-benevento-collaborate-in-woodstock/ |website=jambands.com |date=9 May 2016 |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> and performed on the main stage at [[Osheaga Festival|Osheaga]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kelly |first1=Brendan |title=Osheaga: Video interview with The Barr Brothers, July 2016 |url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/music/osheaga-video-interview-with-the-barr-brothers |website=montrealgazette.com |publisher=Montreal Gazette |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> and the Folk On The Rocks festival in [[Yellowknife]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gibbins |first1=Mike |title=Folk on the Rocks reveals first acts...Apr 2016 |url=https://www.mytruenorthnow.com/12685/folk-on-the-rocks-reveals-first-acts-for-2016-summer-festival/ |website=mytruenorthnow.com |date=25 April 2016 |publisher=100.1 True North FM |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> Their most notable headline show was at the Grand Évènement of the [[Montreal Jazz Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/program/concert.aspx?id=11984|title=Concert: The Barr Brothers - Festival International de Jazz de Montréal|access-date=2017-03-20|archive-date=2017-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324090544/http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/program/concert.aspx?id=11984|url-status=dead}}</ref> Many musician friends made appearances at this show: [[Patrick Watson (musician)|Patrick Watson]], Robbie Kuster, Joe Grass, Michelle Tompkins of Sin & Swoon, Mamadou Kouyaté, and [[Little Scream]]'s Laurel Sprengelmeyer.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.mattv.ca/the-barr-brothers/|title=The Barr Brothers au Festival de jazz|date=2015-07-02|work=MatTV|access-date=2017-03-23|language=fr-FR}}</ref>
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Outside of the band, the Barrs participated in a tribute to [[Grateful Dead|The Grateful Dead]] on the Lachine Canal in the summer of 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/music/montreal-folk-festival-on-the-canal-follows-the-current-where-it-leads|title=Montreal Folk Festival on the Canal follows the current where it leads|date=2016-06-13|work=Montreal Gazette|access-date=2017-03-23|language=en-US}}</ref> Following the October 2016 death of [[Leonard Cohen]], Brad Barr participated in a tribute to Cohen's music put together by [[Pop Montreal|POP Montreal]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/music/pop-montreal-stages-leonard-cohen-tribute|title=POP Montreal stages Leonard Cohen tribute|date=2016-11-30|work=Montreal Gazette|access-date=2017-03-23|language=en-US}}</ref>
<ref name="pressreader.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/montreal-gazette/20161210/281496455915658|title=PressReader.com - Connecting People Through News|website=www.pressreader.com|access-date=2017-03-23}}</ref>


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Outside of the band, the Barrs participated in a tribute to [[Grateful Dead|The Grateful Dead]] on the [[Lachine Canal]] in the summer of 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/music/montreal-folk-festival-on-the-canal-follows-the-current-where-it-leads|title=Montreal Folk Festival on the Canal follows the current where it leads|date=2016-06-13|work=Montreal Gazette|access-date=2017-03-23|language=en-US}}</ref> Following the October 2016 death of [[Leonard Cohen]], Brad Barr participated in a tribute to Cohen's music put together by [[Pop Montreal|POP Montreal]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/music/pop-montreal-stages-leonard-cohen-tribute|title=POP Montreal stages Leonard Cohen tribute|date=2016-11-30|work=Montreal Gazette|access-date=2017-03-23|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="pressreader.com">{{Cite web |url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/montreal-gazette/20161210/281496455915658 |archive-date=March 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324084714/https://www.pressreader.com/canada/montreal-gazette/20161210/281496455915658 |url-status=live |title=Remembering A Legend |via=[[PressReader]] |publisher=[[Montreal Gazette]] |date=2016-12-10 |first=T'Cha |last=Dunlevy |access-date=2023-05-06 |lang=en-ca}}</ref>
In 2016, the group released several of their favourite misfit tracks in the Alta Falls EP. The songs on the EP were partially recorded in Iceland by Valgeir Sigurösson ([[Björk]], [[Sigur Rós]], [[Nico Muhly]]).


=== 2017–present: Recording and collaboration ===
=== 2017–Present: Recording and Collaboration ===
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Anticipated collaborations with the Malian duo [[Bassekou Kouyate]] and Amy Sacko, scheduled for the 2017 editions of the [[Festival d'été de Québec|Festival d’Été de Québec]] and the [[Montreal International Jazz Festival]],<ref name=":2" /> were cancelled due to Kouyate and Sacko's Visa issues. Replacement players were found in Burkinabé [[Balafon]]ist Mamadou Koita and [[Senegal]]ese [[Kora (instrument)|Kora]] player Sadio Sissoko, and the resulting show was well reviewed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/words-and-music/concert-review-barr-brothers-take-lineup-change-in-stride/ |title=Jazz fest review: Barr Brothers take lineup change in stride |publisher=Montreal Gazette |date=8 July 2017}}</ref>
Taking a step back from several years of heavy-touring, the band focused on writing and recording new music.


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Following the release of ''Queens of the Breakers'',<ref>Budnick, Dean https://relix.com/articles/detail/track_by_track_the_barr_brothers_queens_of_the_breakers/ Relix</ref> the band was invited to open for [[The War on Drugs (band)|The War on Drugs]] across Europe and the UK; and scheduled their own headline shows in major markets in North America, Europe and the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Prabhu |first1=Suraj |title=Barr Brothers talk 'Queens of the Breakers'...July 2018 |url=https://meaww.com/the-barr-brothers-exclusive-interview |website=meaww.com |publisher=Meaww |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> In January 2018, Sarah Pagé left the band to pursue other interests.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bernstein|first1=Scott|title=Sarah Pagé Departs The Barr Brothers|url=https://www.jambase.com/article/sarah-page-departs-barr-brothers|website=jambase.com|accessdate=10 January 2018}}</ref>
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An anticipated collaborations with the Malian duo [[Bassekou Kouyate]] and Amy Sacko was scheduled for the 2017 editions of the [[Festival d'été de Québec|Festival d’Été de Québec]] and the [[Montreal International Jazz Festival]].<ref name=":2" /> This was cancelled due to Kouyate and Sacko encountering Visa issues. Replacement players were found in Burkinabé balafonist Mamadou Koita and Senegalese kora player Sadio Sissoko and the resulting show was well reviewed. Of the interplay between the harp and kora, the Montreal Gazette noted "Despite the lack of historical connection between the two instruments, it made perfect sense in the Barr Brothers’ diverse, thoughtful musical universe." <ref name="">{{Cite news|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/words-and-music/concert-review-barr-brothers-take-lineup-change-in-stride/ |title=Jazz fest review: Barr Brothers take lineup change in stride |publisher=Montreal Gazette |date=8 July 2017}}</ref>


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In 2018, [[Compulsion Games]] revealed that the brothers worked on the soundtrack and performed the songs for the game ''[[We Happy Few]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Soundtrack reveal: The Make Believes |url=https://compulsiongames.com/en/news/181/soundtrack-reveal-the-make-believes |website=Compulsion Games |accessdate=12 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
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In autumn of 2017, the Barr Brothers released their third full length, ''Queens of the Breakers''; were invited to open for [[The War on Drugs (band)|The War on Drugs]] across Europe and the UK; and scheduled their own headline shows in major markets in North America, Europe and the United Kingdom. In January 2018, Sara Pagé left the band to pursue other interests.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bernstein|first1=Scott|title=Sarah Pagé Departs The Barr Brothers|url=https://www.jambase.com/article/sarah-page-departs-barr-brothers|website=jambase.com|accessdate=10 January 2018}}</ref>


⚫
In October 2018, The Barr Brothers won ADISQ's [[Félix award]] for Concert of the Year - Anglophone. They were also nominated in four other categories at Gala de l'ADISQ: Album of the Year - Anglophone; Quebec Artist with the Most Success Outside of Quebec; Sound Recording and Mix of the Year; and Soundman of the Year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Archives 2018 - ADISQ |url=https://www.adisq.com/gala/archives/2018/ |website=adisq.com |publisher=ADISQ |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> They performed again at the [[Levon Helm]] Studios in December 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Barr Brothers, Dec 2018 |url=https://levonhelm.com/shows/2018/12/8/the-barr-brothers |website=levonhelm.com |date=8 December 2018 |publisher=Levon Helm Studios |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref>
⚫
In 2018, [[Compulsion Games]] revealed that the brothers worked on the soundtrack and performed the songs for the game ''[[We Happy Few]]''<ref>{{cite web |title=Soundtrack reveal: The Make Believes |url=https://compulsiongames.com/en/news/181/soundtrack-reveal-the-make-believes |website=Compulsion Games |accessdate=12 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref>


In the winter of 2019, the band performed each of their three albums across three nights in Toronto, Montreal, and San Francisco in a series they billed "An Album Nightly". Elizabeth Powell, Jesse Mac Cormack, and Richard Reed Parry opened the shows and contributed throughout the concerts.
⚫
In October 2018, The Barr Brothers won the Félix award for Concert of the Year - Anglophone. They were also nominated in four other categories at Gala de l'ADISQ: Album of the Year - Anglophone, Quebec Artist with the Most Success Outside of Quebec, Sound Recording and Mix of the Year, Soundman of the Year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Palmarès ADISQ |url=https://palmaresadisq.ca/fr/artiste/the-barr-brothers/?ref=calendar}}</ref>


== Discography ==
== Discography ==
* ''The Barr Brothers'' (2011) #63 CAN<ref>http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Charts/ALBUMS.html</ref>
* ''The Barr Brothers'' (2011) #63 CAN
* ''Sleeping Operator'' (2014)
* ''Sleeping Operator'' (2014)
* ''Alta Falls'' (2015, EP)
* ''Alta Falls'' (2015, EP)
* ''[[Queens of the Breakers]]'' (2017) #29 CAN
* ''[[Queens of the Breakers]]'' (2017) #29 CAN
* ''Live'' (2017, split with [[Patrick Watson (musician)|Patrick Watson]])


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Canadian indie folk groups]]
[[Category:Canadian indie folk groups]]
[[Category:English-language musical groups from Quebec]]
[[Category:English-language musical groups from Quebec]]
[[Category:Secret City Records artists]]

Latest revision as of 09:03, 16 August 2024

The Barr Brothers
OriginMontreal, Quebec, Canada
Genres
Years active2006–present
LabelsSecret City
MembersBrad Barr
Andrew Barr
Morgan Moore
Brett Lanier
Eveline Gregoire-Rousseau
Past membersSarah Pagé
Andrés "Andy" Vial
Joe Grass
Websitewww.thebarrbrothers.com

The Barr Brothers is an indie folk band founded in Montreal, Quebec in 2006, consisting of two American brothers Andrew (drums, percussion, vocals, keyboards) and Brad Barr (guitar, vocals), as well as bassist Morgan Moore, pedal steel guitarist Brett Lanier, and harpist Eveline Gregoire-Rousseau.[1]

History

[edit]

Originally raised and located in Providence, RI, Brad and Andrew Barr moved to Montreal, QC from Boston, MA in 2005, after a decade of touring and recording as two-thirds of the trio The Slip; The group notable for its approach to long-form, live Improvisation, and equally considered part of the Jam band and Experimental music scenes.[2]

Soon after moving to Montreal and into his new apartment in 2005, singer-songwriter and guitarist Brad Barr heard the sounds of a harp being played next door, and after building the courage, he went next door to introduce himself to his neighbor at the time, Sarah Pagé.[3] Pagé at the time had been performing both in classical contexts, and working to developing music with singer-songwriter Lhasa de Sela. Andrew Barr soon began performing with Lhasa in 2009, as well. Soon enough the trio of Andrew Barr, Brad Barr, and Sarah Pagé began performing songs written by Brad, and Andrew, songs under The Barr Brothers name. Building upon the songs with Malian rhythms, Slide guitar, homemade percussion instruments, and influences from Delta blues, modern classical, and Appalachian musical traditions.

The Barr Brothers' recordings have been nominated three times for Juno Awards: in 2013, 2015 and 2018, for Adult Alternative Album of the Year.[4] Their debut, studio album The Barr Brothers[5][6] was released on September 27, 2011 and focused on acoustic and electrified songs rooted in Appalachian folk and folk rock. Their second studio album Sleeping Operator released on October 6, 2014[7] further explored the connections between the Delta blues and its West/North African ancestry. Leftover songs from the Sleeping Operator sessions were released as a five-track collection Alta Falls, released on April 27, 2014.[8] The tracks on the Alta Falls EP were partially recorded in Iceland by Valgeir Sigurösson (Björk, Sigur Rós and Nico Muhly). The band's third album Queens of the Breakers was released on October 17, 2017.[9] In that same year, Secret City Records released a split album called Live, the first half of such titled Patrick Watson & L'Orchestre Cinéma L'Amour - Live At Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste 2013 De Montréal in 2015, with the second half of the album titled The Barr Brothers - Live At Festival International De Jazz De Montréal 2015[10] On December 4, 2023, two new outtakes from the Sleeping Operator sessions were released exclusively through The Barr Brothers' Patreon page.

The band frequently tours in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe, with few shows played in Japan. Notable venues have included Levon Helm's studio in Woodstock, New York, the Red Rocks Amphitheater, and two appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman.

Career

[edit]

2011–2013: The Barr Brothers

[edit]

The Barr Brothers toured throughout North America and Europe to support The Barr Brothers, with notable appearances including the 2011 Montreal International Jazz Festival[11] and the 2011 Osheaga.[12] They opened for Ben Harper and Deer Tick,[13] played the CMJ Music Marathon and, in January 2012, made their first appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman.[14] Their song "Beggar In The Morning" debuted on Paste Magazine in March 2012,[15] and they had a headline slot on the main stage Scène TD de la place des Festivals at the 2013 Montreal Jazz Festival;[16] Their song "Ooh, Belle" was used in an episode of the television series Touch.[17]

2014–2016: Sleeping Operator, Alta Falls

[edit]

Shortly before the release of Sleeping Operator, The Barr Brothers performed at Oregon's Pickathon.[18] In addition to the Juno nomination, the band was nominated as Most Illustrious Band Outside of Quebec by ADISQ, the Quebec music award council, and the album was nominated as Anglophone Album of the Year. They also received a nomination for Anglophone Show of the Year.[19]

The record was promoted with global touring. Notable support dates included shows with Calexico[20] and My Morning Jacket[21][22][23] in the United States and Europe. The My Morning Jacket tour included the Barr Brothers' first performance at Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre.[24]

As headliners, the band performed with Marco Benevento at the Midnight Ramble Sessions at the Levon Helm studios in Woodstock NY,[25] and performed on the main stage at Osheaga[26] and the Folk On The Rocks festival in Yellowknife.[27] Their most notable headline show was at the Grand Évènement of the Montreal Jazz Festival.[28] Many musician friends made appearances at this show: Patrick Watson, Robbie Kuster, Joe Grass, Michelle Tompkins of Sin & Swoon, Mamadou Kouyaté, and Little Scream's Laurel Sprengelmeyer.[29]

Outside of the band, the Barrs participated in a tribute to The Grateful Dead on the Lachine Canal in the summer of 2016.[30] Following the October 2016 death of Leonard Cohen, Brad Barr participated in a tribute to Cohen's music put together by POP Montreal.[31][32]

2017–Present: Recording and Collaboration

[edit]

Anticipated collaborations with the Malian duo Bassekou Kouyate and Amy Sacko, scheduled for the 2017 editions of the Festival d’Été de Québec and the Montreal International Jazz Festival,[29] were cancelled due to Kouyate and Sacko's Visa issues. Replacement players were found in Burkinabé Balafonist Mamadou Koita and Senegalese Kora player Sadio Sissoko, and the resulting show was well reviewed.[33]

Following the release of Queens of the Breakers,[34] the band was invited to open for The War on Drugs across Europe and the UK; and scheduled their own headline shows in major markets in North America, Europe and the United Kingdom.[35] In January 2018, Sarah Pagé left the band to pursue other interests.[36]

In 2018, Compulsion Games revealed that the brothers worked on the soundtrack and performed the songs for the game We Happy Few.[37]

In October 2018, The Barr Brothers won ADISQ's Félix award for Concert of the Year - Anglophone. They were also nominated in four other categories at Gala de l'ADISQ: Album of the Year - Anglophone; Quebec Artist with the Most Success Outside of Quebec; Sound Recording and Mix of the Year; and Soundman of the Year.[38] They performed again at the Levon Helm Studios in December 2018.[39]

In the winter of 2019, the band performed each of their three albums across three nights in Toronto, Montreal, and San Francisco in a series they billed "An Album Nightly". Elizabeth Powell, Jesse Mac Cormack, and Richard Reed Parry opened the shows and contributed throughout the concerts.

Discography

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "News". The Barr Brothers. Retrieved 2011-09-07.
  2. ^ "The Art of the Sit-In | Marc Friedman". JamBase. 2014-06-24. Retrieved 2017-03-22.
  3. ^ Londono, John (October 22, 2014). "The Barr Brothers On World Cafe". NPR (National Public Radio). Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  4. ^ "Past Nominees & Winners, The Barr Brothers". junoawards.ca. Juno Awards. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  5. ^ "The Barr Brothers - Secret City Records". Secret City Records. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  6. ^ "The Barr Brothers – The Barr Brothers". discogs.com. Discogs. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  7. ^ "The Barr Brothers – Sleeping Operator". discogs.com. Discogs. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  8. ^ "The Barr Brothers – Alta Falls". discogs.com. Discogs. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  9. ^ "The Barr Brothers – Queens Of The Breakers". discogs.com. Discogs. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  10. ^ "Patrick Watson / The Barr Brothers – Live". discogs.com. Discogs. 22 April 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  11. ^ Halle, Karina (23 November 2011). "Festival Recap, Nov 2011". consequence.net. Consequence. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  12. ^ "Osheaga 2011: The Barr Brothers". montrealgazette.com. Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  13. ^ "The Barr Brothers's Concert History". concertarchives.org. Concert Archives. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  14. ^ Solomon, Rachelle. "The Barr Brothers after The Late Show with David Letterman, Jan 2012". cbc.ca. CBC Radio. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  15. ^ "The Barr Brothers - Beggar In The Morning". Paste Magazine. pastemagazine.com. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  16. ^ Dacks, David. "Montreal Jazz Festival...June 2013". exclaim.ca. Exclaim!. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  17. ^ "Touch Soundtrack". tunefind.com. Tunefind. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  18. ^ Ash, Alex (4 September 2014). "The Barr Brothers Live...Sept 2014". zumic.com. Zumic. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  19. ^ Kelly, Brendan. "...ADISQ nominations, Sept 2015". montrealgazette.com. Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  20. ^ "Calexico Releasing a New Album...Feb 2015". brooklynvegan.com. Brooklyn Vegan. 10 February 2015. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  21. ^ "The Barr Brother Announce World Tour...Jan 2015". jambands.com. 30 January 2015. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  22. ^ "Europe/UK tour with Calexico | The Barr Brothers". thebarrbrothers.com. Archived from the original on 2017-03-24. Retrieved 2017-03-23.
  23. ^ "Red Rocks Entertainment Concerts | Concerts Events | Detail | My Morning J 5 29 2016". redrocksonline.com. Archived from the original on 2017-03-24. Retrieved 2017-03-23.
  24. ^ "The Barr Brothers To Support My Morning Jacket..." highroadtouring.com. High Road Touring. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  25. ^ "The Barr Brothers and Marco Benevento Collaborate...May 2016". jambands.com. 9 May 2016. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  26. ^ Kelly, Brendan. "Osheaga: Video interview with The Barr Brothers, July 2016". montrealgazette.com. Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  27. ^ Gibbins, Mike (25 April 2016). "Folk on the Rocks reveals first acts...Apr 2016". mytruenorthnow.com. 100.1 True North FM. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  28. ^ "Concert: The Barr Brothers - Festival International de Jazz de Montréal". Archived from the original on 2017-03-24. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
  29. ^ a b "The Barr Brothers au Festival de jazz". MatTV (in French). 2015-07-02. Retrieved 2017-03-23.
  30. ^ "Montreal Folk Festival on the Canal follows the current where it leads". Montreal Gazette. 2016-06-13. Retrieved 2017-03-23.
  31. ^ "POP Montreal stages Leonard Cohen tribute". Montreal Gazette. 2016-11-30. Retrieved 2017-03-23.
  32. ^ Dunlevy, T'Cha (2016-12-10). "Remembering A Legend". Montreal Gazette. Archived from the original on March 24, 2017. Retrieved 2023-05-06 – via PressReader.
  33. ^ "Jazz fest review: Barr Brothers take lineup change in stride". Montreal Gazette. 8 July 2017.
  34. ^ Budnick, Dean https://relix.com/articles/detail/track_by_track_the_barr_brothers_queens_of_the_breakers/ Relix
  35. ^ Prabhu, Suraj. "Barr Brothers talk 'Queens of the Breakers'...July 2018". meaww.com. Meaww. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  36. ^ Bernstein, Scott. "Sarah Pagé Departs The Barr Brothers". jambase.com. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  37. ^ "Soundtrack reveal: The Make Believes". Compulsion Games. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
  38. ^ "Archives 2018 - ADISQ". adisq.com. ADISQ. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  39. ^ "The Barr Brothers, Dec 2018". levonhelm.com. Levon Helm Studios. 8 December 2018. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
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