|
|
|
|
Barry was born and raised in Southern Alberta, and began playing guitar at the age of eight. His first “public” performance occurred at age nine, where he played and sang Ian Tyson's classic Four Strong Winds, for the school's annual spring variety show.
Upon entering junior high, Barry quickly discovered the guitar is not classified as a marching band instrument. As a result, Barry realized an early musical career move was necessary and began playing percussion in the junior high concert band. Along with his drum/percussion lessons, Barry also took piano theory (grades 1, 2 and harmony). Barry attended the provincial music workshop held at Camrose Alberta, toured England in the summer of 1975 with the high school band and chorus, played in the Southern Alberta concert band for the 1976 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies, and the school orchestra for its annual play production.
After graduating from high school, a goal was placed on an academic career, which meant post secondary education degrees from SAIT (Calgary) and Montana Tech (Butte, Montana). Now armed with an engineering degree, Barry did not pursue any musical avenues for several years, yet maintained a yearning to do so and continued his closet guitar playing and basement drumming. During this period of time, Barry's interests were more sports related which included hockey, flag football, slo-pitch, scuba diving, volleyball and a Nancy Greene ski coach. Oh yeah, can't forget the road pops in various drinking establishments in and around town.
Recently Barry returned to the music scene by attending courses, jams, camps, festivals, and began basement drumming for a few projects. One of these projects included Jeff Hiscock, whose rock guitar technique, style and equipment has grown exponentially (favorite engineering term). Despite a few public performances with these projects, Barry remained in contact with Jeff, who was also searching for additional opportunities. As luck would have it, Jeff called and asked about a jamming with a bass player named Andy Bert. Nothing gained nothing ventured, and the Cardboard Heroes were born.
Big Band swing, jazz, rock/funk and country are all part of Barry's musical tastes. Steely Dan, Yes, Led Zeppelin, Rare Earth, Tom Scott & the L.A. Express, Buddy Rich, Tower of Power, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Dwight Yoakam are a few of Barry's favorite artists.
Barry continues to attend local music jams and camps. One of his favorite camps was last year's Sorrento B.C. swing camp, where he played with the instructors' band on two separate occasions. “I knew three songs from an eleven song set list. The remaining songs, mmm…, keep your eyes glued to the band leader and pray he wouldn't turn around and give me the gong!” It worked!!
Any questions, comments, concerns, mints, credit cards, donations, etc. drop me a line at barry@cardboard-heroes.com
Favorite saying: Just wing that mother!! (Opus from Bloom County).