“Authentic and unmistakably her own, Whitney Ross-Barris offers something rare: a creative proposition that stands outside the ordinary, one in which sound, memory, and emotion intertwine with unusual clarity.” - Thierry De Clemensat

— Paris Move

Whitney Ross-Barris

Jazz Singer & Songwriter

Whitney Ross-Barris is an Ontario-based jazz singer and songwriter with proud roots in the theatre. Her newest release, Curtains of Light is a genre-bending record of original music rooted in jazz but woven through with threads of soul, spoken word, classical, folk and choral music. The album reflects the full breadth of her artistic experience—intimate and expansive in equal measure.

A regular performer across Ontario's vibrant music scene, Whitney has released three jazz albums, including her self-titled EP, her full-length solo record Everybody’s Here, as well as The Bright Lunch Trio with guitarist Nathan Hiltz. She has also appeared as guest singer and lyricist on such celebrated recordings as The Art of Breath: Volume One with saxophonist John MacMurchy.

During the pandemic, with clubs and theatres either shuttering down temporarily or closing altogether, while isolating with her three young children and one obstinate cat, Whitney maintained her sanity through songwriting at her 117-year-old piano. With the support of the Ontario Arts Council and her community of fans, her new record of entirely original compositions, Curtains of Light was released in late 2025.

Upcoming Shows

Previous events

Date Event Location
 —  — WRB @ The Pilot The Pilot, Toronto The Pilot, Toronto
 —  — The Springtide Sessions (on Hits 105.5 FM)  
 —  — The Springtide Sessions (on Hits 105.5 FM)  
 —  — The Springtide Sessions (on Hits 105.5 FM)  
Extraordinary Women: Joan Beckow Doc and Concert The Revue Cinema, Toronto The Revue Cinema, Toronto
 —  — The Springtide Sessions (on Hits 105.5 FM)  
Boonies Unplugged Bounty from the Boonies, Uxbridge, ON Bounty from the Boonies, Uxbridge, ON
Jaymz Bee's Caravan of Music Old Mill Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Old Mill Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
Friendship & Rock n Roll The Second Wedge Brewing Company, Uxbridge, ON The Second Wedge Brewing Company, Uxbridge, ON
 —  — Niagara Jazz – Secret Salon Location TBA (Niagara Region) Location TBA (Niagara Region)
 —  — Jazz in Leaskdale Historic Leaskdale Church, Leaskdale, ON Historic Leaskdale Church, Leaskdale, ON
We'll be Home Soon - COL Live @ Uxbridge Music Hall Uxbridge Music Hall, Uxbridge Uxbridge Music Hall, Uxbridge
 —  — Niagara Jazz – Secret Salon Niagara (TBA!) Niagara (TBA!)
Sam Broverman's Jewish Boy's Christmas Jazz Bistro, Toronto, Ontario Jazz Bistro, Toronto, Ontario
Sam Broverman's Jewish Boy's Christmas Old Mill Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Old Mill Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
Curtains of Light - Official Album Release The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto, Toronto The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto, Toronto
Leaskdale Jazz with Whtiney RB and Tom Baker Historic Leaskdale Church, Leaskdale, ON Historic Leaskdale Church, Leaskdale, ON
Whitney RB & Nate Hiltz @ KMJF Cafe Pamenar, Toronto, Ontario Cafe Pamenar, Toronto, Ontario
 —  — Whitney RB @ Markham Jazz Fest Varley Art Gallery (indoor stage), Unionville, ON Varley Art Gallery (indoor stage), Unionville, ON
Whitney RB and Nate Hiltz @ Springtide 9 by Tin, Uxbridge 9 by Tin, Uxbridge

Photos

Photo by: Tracy Walker

Photo by: Tracy Walker

Photo by: Tracy Walker

Music Samples

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    Bourgeois Reverie 3:34
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  2. 2
    Bird of Paradise 3:53
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  3. 3
    If I Were You 5:04
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  4. 4
    Curtains of Light 4:42
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Video

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