Paul Barry Blues Band – Talk Is Cheap –Self-Produced

Minneapolis, Minnesota-area bluesman Paul Barry has been plying his brand of blues since the early 1980s, eventually becoming mentored by the west coast harmonica titan William Clarke in the mid-1980s, moving to Clarke’s hometown L.A. locale to learn all he could from him about blues harmonica, the blues itself, and make valuable contacts.

Barry actually was on the blues scene as far back as the 1970s when he worked to ensure shows with some of the best-known post-war bluesmen still alive and vital took place in the Twin Cities locale.

The later 1980s and 1990s saw Barry play in two blues bands in Minnesota, while he and his groups also provided support for the great Big Smokey Smothers.

Falling ill and nurturing a family removed Barry off the blues scene for a decade and a half, but in 2013 Barry was once again actively playing the blues.

This 13-song release from 2016 contains tough harmonica-fueled blues a la the best of the post-war Chicago type, with a cast of blues professionals who completely buy-in to Barry’s blues visions, ultimately delivering blues of the highest order.  Guitarist Jeremy Johnson and his superb efforts command a shout-out here. 

Barry is in decidedly great vocal form here, and guest vocalist Lila Ammons admirably assists. 

This collection was mastered at Kid Andersen’s Greaseland Studios, and the work there truly brings out the purity of Barry’s lofty harmonica-driven blues form.

Cover tunes on the excellent CD include those from Queen Sylvia Embry, Big Smokey Smothers, and Magic Sam.  If for no other reason, Barry’s “Blues For Bill” emphatically signifies the profound influence Clarke had upon Barry, and the reverence Barry holds for him.

Below are the tracks from this superlative modern-day blues collection.

Song Titles

• Wonder Why
• Hard Hearted Woman
• Work Song
• Talk Is Cheap
• That’s Why I’m Crying
• Stop It Right Now
• Big Walter’s Boogie
• I Got My Eyes On You
• J.’s Boggie
• I Can’t Judge Nobody
• Blues For Bill
• I’m A little Mixed Up
• Telephone Blues

This is a highly recommended document, and one your collection would benefit from!