Blues singer Barbara Diab has such a joy in
expressing herself, her energy radiates to all those
who are in her presence. With her immense vocal
range, she brings a unique honesty to each song,
without guile, and from the heart. Her ability to take
you on a journey with each breath is equal to that of
any fine musician.
Born in Australia, to Lebanese parents, her family moved
to Canada when she was a young child. Her musical
background encompasses gospel, American roots, blues,
and naturally Motown, since she grew up near the border
of Detroit. Barbara now calls Montreal home.
Barbara and her bass-playing husband, Pierre Lamontagne,
founded the Smoked Meat Band, now firmly established on
the Québec blues circuit.
A regular performer at major Blues venues such as The
House of Jazz Montreal, she has also performed at many
festivals: Montreal International Jazz Festival,
Tremblant International Blues Festival and FestiBlues of
Montreal, to name a few. Barbara is also pursuing her
career abroad and has often performed in Memphis, TN and
Clarksdale, MS as well as two successful Blues Tours in
Italy (2015, 2016: Rome, Tuscany, Abruzzo). She has also
shared the stage with jazz and blues greats J.D. Slim,
Bob Walsh, Guy Bélanger, Bernard “Bingo” Deslauriers,
Jean Fernand Girard, Jim Zeller, Lulu Hughes and
American trumpetist, Roger Walls. Backing up Elizabeth
Blouin-Brathwaite on the hit TV show, En direct de
l’univers, was another highlight in the career of this
rising star.
Guitar great, J.D. Slim, suggested collaborating on
Barbara’s début album after hearing her natural, soulful
voice. Released in 2015, TO BLUES WITH LOVE was written
by Barbara Diab & Pierre Lamontagne with music composed
by J.D. Slim. The album is already receiving worldwide
recognition and airplay.
Produced, recorded and mastered by J.D. Slim, the album
also includes special guests such as veteran bassist,
Stephen Barry and world-class drummer, Tony Coleman [B.B.
King, Bobby Blue Band, Otis Clay]. Their playground of
original compositions have a natural romping playfulness
turning each and every audience into a family... all
begging for more.
