Sally Barker

SALLY BARKER BIOGRAPHY In 2020 Sally released her re-imagining of the Tom Jones song 'It's Not Unusual' to celebrate the venerable singer's 80th Birthday. So far it has racked up over 5.3 million views on YouTube and divides opinion amongst fans of the Welshman's classic (you can see it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ws6at5NlGtA ) This slowed down version highlights the mournful and yearning lyrics to give the song new meaning. The significance of this recording ? Sally was Tom's finalist on The Voice UK in 2014 and although people mistakenly think she won, such was the impact she had on that show, Sally walked away without the main prize, coming in joint 2nd and then walked away from a record deal for an album of mainstream cover songs offered on the strength of her 'Voice' performances. Sally Barker's appearance as Sir Tom Jones' finalist in the Voice UK 2014 belies a long career in music - one that wasn't spent only singing pop covers for a light entertainment audience but fashioned in the folk clubs of the British Isles. In a career spanning the best part of 40 years, English singer/songwriter Sally has released a string of solo albums and been a part of dozens more, notably with fem-folksters The Poozies. “You have the most beautiful voice that has ever been on this show.” Sir Tom Jones on The Voice UK In her time Sally has supported (amongst many others) Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Jools Holland and Sir Tom himself, worked with inspirational musicians such as maverick double bass genius Danny Thompson, country folk-rock guitarist Jerry Donahue, the mercurial accordionist Karen Tweed and legendary drummer Dave Mattocks. Sally's musical journey has been a long and sometimes tortuous one. In the early 90s she had solo singer/songwriter success in Germany and toured relentlessly. Her 2nd album “This Rhythm Is Mine” received a 4* review from Q Magazine. Her 'difficult' 3rd album was less well received than the previous two and, as a founder member of the female folk band the Poozies, Sally diversified, splitting her time between mainland Europe and UK festivals and arts centres. Things became busier when she and her husband had two sons but she continued to record and tour until Sally's train was derailed by her husband's cancer diagnosis. By August 2003 Sally was a widow with two small children. During the following years single parenthood took over but Sally managed to complete a degree in Music Technology and continued to tour when possible. By now teenagers, it was her sons Dillon and Ben who persuaded her to apply for 'The Voice UK'. She became Sir Tom's finalist on the BBC TV programme in 2014, reducing him, and viewers alike, to tears with her flawless performances. “Sally changes the atmosphere in a room when she sings“ Virgin Radio's Chris Evans This nationwide exposure thrust Sally back on the road with the Poozies with their 'Into The Well' release and the offer to be part of the re-formed Fotheringay (singing the songs of the legendary Sandy Denny) alongside original members Jerry, Pat Donaldson and Gerry Conway to promote the 'Nothing More' 2015 released box set. Sally's solo album 'Ghost Girl' was released to coincide with Sally as 'Special Guest' on Fairport Convention's Winter tour 2017 as they celebrated their 50 years on the road. Warmly received by critics and fans alike, FRoots Magazine said “Sally returns with a classy new solo album full of her matchless singing and exceptional writing couched in contemporary folk, pop, jazz and R&B stylings”. Also in 2017 Sally released a duo album with long-time collaborator Vicki Genfan. “In the Shadow of a Small Mountain (Small Mountain Records) is the fruit of a collaboration between Britain’s Sally Barker, formerly of the Poozies, and the US guitar wizard and songwriter Vicki Genfan. Its warm, low-key storytelling sits somewhere between Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris and Sandy Denny and is every bit as accomplished as that comparison suggests.” James Miller Morning Star Wed 4th October 2017. In June 2023, Sally embarked on a trail-blazing artistic journey, with Vicki Genfan (USA) and Ali Tod (Scotland) to compose and record an album, inspired by places of historic and natural beauty, while vanning across America. This 'Monumental Journey' began on the west coast and included performances in Virginia City, Montana, West Virginia, and finally a Homecoming concert back in North Carolina. Vicki, Ali and Sally have continued to write and record deep into December 2023. The 'Monumental Journey' recording is nearing completion and will be released some time in 2025. As well as working in the States with Vicki Genfan, Sally is also busy as a solo artist and with the Sandy Denny Project (the remnants of her Fotheringay experience). Sally is still working on the follow up to her 2017 solo album 'Ghost Girl' and some of these songs are already in her live solo set. “The emotion and passion in her voice, the vulnerability and fragility of her vocal is an art that not too many singers can master” Maverick Magazine YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jmpsally123 website: https://sallybarker.co.uk Instagram: www.instagram.com/sallybarkermusic Facebook: www.facebook.com/sallybarkermusic