Stephen Barry Band weaves its magic

:Stephen Barry, bass player and leader of the band that bears his name, perhaps said it best: “We believe we please our fans because we first please ourselves.” And that’s what the band’s latest concert at Laval’s Maison des Arts clearly showed - Stephen Barry and his fellow band members were pleased to perform, giving themselves and lovers of jazz and blues who paid $25 for the privilege, a grand evening of entertainment. Presenting an extensive play-list of some of the best-loved songs of the genre, including some of Barry’s own compositions, the quartet of Barry himself (bass), Andrew Cowan (guitar), Gordon Adamson (drums), and Jody Golick (sax) pleased the audience with over two hours of heart-felt interpretation of words and music that left everyone asking for more. Showcasing a good many pieces from their latest album – Bluesville (i.e. Hound Dog, I Ain’t Gonna Cry No More, Loving Cup, and Would You Babe) – they were a big hit, smoothly connecting with each other and with an audience who repeatedly showed their appreciation with lusty applause punctuated with lots of hootin’ and hollerin’ that would have made lovers of jazz and blues proud anywhere in the world.

Pity for those who missed this evening of exceptional entertainment from consummate professionals who performed with great talent and wonderful gusto, because the show was well worth the price of admission, from start to finish. And oh, yes, the introduction of the band was a mini-concert all its own as each member came on stage in his own turn, to perform a number with Stephen Barry who had kicked off the evening with an abosolutely enchanting a capella rendition. So from one to two to three to four the spotlight shone on the next singer-musician as he joined his friends on stage, until the quartet was complete. In unison, they then shared themselves for the rest of the show with their adoring fans.

Photo:Stephen Barry