Every so often we work on a project that we are really excited about. In this section we will let those clients share their stories with you. In this feature we take an in depth look at one of our more interesting solo musicians, Barry Greenfield.

Since 1999 Barry Greenfield has released 4 critically approved CDs of his compositions and performed in over 100 concerts in places as diverse as Halifax, Toronto, and London, England. Barry writes to make people think. His legacy is long. His future is bright. His fifth CD, “Barry Greenfield’s Exposed Soul,” was recorded in Nashville, TN over the last twelve months. It features Nashville’s top musicians; Guitar by Jack Pearson (The Allman Brothers); Drums by Chris Brown (Sam Bush); Bass by Dow Tomlin (Brooks and Dunn).The CD also features the wonderful piano, and hammond organ by Chris Nole (John Denver) and was co-produced with Chris Nole. “Exposed Soul” available now.

Barry Greenfield Bio:

It was May 1968 when John and Paul visited the NBC Tonight Show. They had a reason; tonight they would announce the arrival of the Beatle’s record label to North America. “Come to London! Come to Apple”, suggested the Liverpool duo. Well, one kid was listening, and the next day Barry flew from Vancouver to the UK, and went to 3 Saville Row, Apple Records.

Here he met John Lennon and was told that his songs were special. Barry called his mom that night from a London payphone to share his joy at the reaction from Apple. These meetings led to his first “covers”, two early songs “With This New Girl” and “Love is For the Young and Old”. Barry was offered a recording contract by EMI, but refused. He felt that stardom was not a journey he wanted to apply for. He happily returned to Vancouver, and headed for Law School. But soon the siren, music, called again.

Back in Manchester in early 1970, the 19 year old, Barry, met Harvey Lisberg, the manager of 10cc, Herman’s Hermits, and Andrew Lloyd Weber. Barry's first single was produced by Graham Gouldman (the composer of "Bus Stop", "Heart Full of Soul" and "I'm Not In Love"), and recorded with 10cc, and would go on to be featured on Tony Blackburn's BBC Record of the Week.

Each morning at 8am, that week in October, the BBC trumpets would play to introduce Barry to the British audience - quite an honour for the young Canadian songwriter. The week previous it was Paul McCartney’s first single “Another Day”, the week after Barry, it was Karen Carpenter's turn to be BBC Record of the Week, with her brilliant “Ticket to Ride”. In 1972 Barry wrote and recorded "New York Is Closed Tonight". This recording proved to be the first of three # 1 singles for Barry in a brief 18-month period and would go on to win 1972 Certificate of Honour for Canadian Music as well as the most played song on Canadian radio in 1972. In 1973, the US Music Machine called, and Barry flew to Hollywood to record his first LP, "Blue Sky".

It was recorded in Los Angeles at RCA's legendary Studio B, known as the West Coast recording home of Elvis Presley. Produced by the legendary David M. Kershenbaum (this was David’s first foray as an LA producer), Barry worked with the A–list players: Jim Gordon and Russ Kunkel on drums; Larry Carlton and Dean Parks on guitars; Joe Osborne on bass; Keys Larry Knechtel and Larry Mohoberac. It was arranged and conducted by the famous and wonderful, Jimmie Haskell. “Blue Sky” was a masterpiece of mood and stories from Barry’s heart and soul. Barry toured for 2 years. His road mates included Supertramp, Maria Muldaur, Frank Zappa, John Lee Hooker, Steve Martin, Cheech and Chong, Mose Allison, John Hartford, the Pointer Sisters, Chilliwack, Susan Jacks and many others who became friends and comrades. David Sinclair became Barry’s guitar partner on many of these road dates, and to this day (30 years on) they still make good music together.

Barry's second album came about in 1974. Entitled "Sanctuary", it too charted well in Canada. It gave Barry two # 1 songs, and many more miles playing to friends everywhere, growing a deep fan base in Canada. A year later, and without warning to his label and associates in the music business, Barry surprised everyone by announcing his decision to leave the music business, to become a player in the world of finance. He still smiles about that day when asked "Why?" The last 25 years have seen Barry build a successful financial planning business, and raise a family. During this period the song writing never slowed or stopped.

Barry wrote more than a dozen cover songs, including songs recorded by Garden Oddessy (UK), Graham Gouldman, Tom Middleton, Annette Ducharme (Canada), The Cascades, The Hudson Brothers (USA), and two songs by Juno Hall of Fame artist, Buffy St. Marie. Buffy called her 1988 ABC/Dunhill Album after a Greenfield track, "Sweet America". Buffy's recognition and acceptance of his work was an honour most appreciated by Barry.

In 1999 Barry again looked at the Canadian Music business, and decided, "It felt right to return". It was back into the studio where he recorded and then released his CD entitled "Barry Greenfield's Cold Water Cure", and it quickly sold out two pressings.

He has since co-written songs with Randy Bachman, Graham Gouldman, Andrew Gold, and the E Street Band leader David Sancious. In 2001 recorded and released the CD "king of the wolves", which soon became known as the "Political Side of Barry Greenfield".

2005 sees Barry return to his love-songs, and the release of his third CD entitled, "Barry Greenfield # 3 (the white album)". This CD is a concert in itself, from comfortable folk music to modern rock and roll. His story telling talents are well displayed.

To present Barry’s new music a new band was needed. Many have played in the unit including the pre-eminent guitarist, Gaye De Lorme, Ken Dahl, Rich St. Onge, Tom Keenlyside, and Jack Duncan all playing the music of Barry Greenfield.
Barry Greenfield... a man passed 50, playing the best he has ever played. Still learning and always growing. Barry is just opening the door. What’s on the other side?

Stay tuned. Barry Greenfield is back like he never went away!!

Feel free to contact us anytime! 1.877.736.5596 or customerservice@dmadiscs.com