Matthew Barber @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: He's fresh off the cross-Canada Sibling Revelry Tour with his songstress sister Jill and ready to strike out on his own again. As far as Canadian singer/songwriters go, Matt Barber is becoming something of an institution, partly because a lack of commercial success hasn't stopped him from doing what he does best.

Grade: 88

Comment: A girl at the Rivoli saw me with a notepad and said "He's cute; put that in your review." So, Matt Barber, you're cute. Another patron added that I should draw a heart on the page, but that was a little too much for me. It seems likely Barber gets an endless string of notes passed to him in class.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronunciation: E
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: G
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
"The band is hot," Barber proclaimed halfway through his set — and he was right. The three-piece he brought along with him were instrumental in the show's success; the crowd was obviously hungry for more than just a solo singer/songwriter.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G 
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: G
Audience Participation: G
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
As often happens with acts like Barber's, the crowd was of two minds because of his song choice. During the louder, faster numbers, they were attentive and excited, and during the slower songs, they were chatty and drifted away. I suppose we can't blame Barber for wanting to take a few breaks from rocking out.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: S
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
You've gotta give props to any musician that can play harmonica and guitar at the same time. Before the set started, Barber took a moment to mock himself and his lack of success. Really, there's no reason this guy isn't marketable. He's easily as good as Jason Collett or Luke Doucet.