The Barr Brothers - (Live at Le Trianon, Paris 04.26.15) HD

The Barr Brothers are clearly a band on the ascent.  Having toured America opening for the most revered rock group of 2014 The War On Drugs touring their singular Lost In The Dream release.  Meanwhile in Canada on the first leg of their Sleeping Operator tour they swapped headlining and opening spots night after night with Bahamas on his Afie Is Bahamas tour - arguably the most popular (at least among women) independent rock musician in Canada.

On this occasion at Le Trianon on the Rue Pigalle- in what is essentially a mini-red light district in Paris- just below the highest point in the city the Sacre Coueur cathedral in Montmartre- The Barr Brothers opened for Calexico on their Edge of the Sun tour.  There is of course a deep and kindred connection between Paris and The Barr Brothers adopted home of Montreal (between France et Nouvelle France).  While Brad and younger brother Andrew Barr are by point of fact ex-pat Americans Montreal and the belle province of Quebec has adopted them as their own.   Now undoubtedly a large part of the appeal of the group is the presence of Sara Pagé (pron. pa-zjay) on concert harp.  Many in the audience which skewed in age between 35-70 were transfixed by her playing and undoubtedly thrilled to hear an accent aigu at the end of her name.  As the group has grown, and Sara has grown accustomed to playing in a rock context her attack on the harp has changed using on occasion strikes and slaps with the back of her hand to exhilirating effect.  On other occasions, for portability as much as anything else, such as when Andrew and Sara joined Calexico for the Lhasa De Sela cover Con Todo Palabra, Sara plays the Mountain Dulcimer.

Rounding out the group are strong Montreal players currently in Thus Owls Parker Shper (keyboards, percussion) and Morgan Moore (upright and electric bass).