Auckland New Zealand
Barry discovered folk clubs, folk music and the guitar in the early 1960’s.
The first guitar style he learned was bluegrass.
In the 1970’s Barry lived in Auckland and spent a lot of time at the Poles Apart Folk Club. By then he was also playing contemporary folk music, particularly songs by Don Mclean and Paul Simon.
Those who were involved in the Auckland folk scene of the mid 1970s will probably remember him.
In the late 1970’s when back in the UK Barry discovered Nic Jones guitar style and his playing since then has been very influenced by the open tunings and guitar techniques in Nic Jones versions of traditional English ballads and songs.
It was during this period that Barry was resident for four years at a London folk club, The Red Lion in Sutton.
In the 1980’s he listened to a lot of Jackson Brown songs, particularly liking the clever crafting of lyrics.
During the 1990’s, now resident in Taupo, he played in a local band, mostly Scottish and Irish up tempo music, however for himself he continued playing the music he loved, experimenting with open tunings and arranging traditional British songs.
Barry plays an English made Brook parlour guitar, and he also enjoys playing the Dulcimer which Frank Winter made for him in the 1970s. He is drawn to songs with interesting lyrics and strong melodies.
His current repertoire includes; traditional songs from Britain, Australia and New Zealand, songs by contemporary American folk musicians such as John Gorka and Jackson Brown and of course, songs from Nic Jones.
We are meeting from 7.30 now so we can get more songs in!
What is Folk Music? – You'll be amazed at what is covered by the heading Folk Music: from traditional finger in the ear to modern acoustic, soft lilting ballads to modern Folk Rock, the field is huge and there is a little bit in there for everyone.
We're a totally informal, small friendly group of people who like to sing and play music. If you do not sing or play and would like to then here you'll find encouragement. There is never any pressure and you may wish to visit a few times to get confidence or you may already be confident, it does not matter, no one will criticize, only support.
Last Update: 2018-07-30
The Club was conceived in 1965 when the Clancy Brothers didn't come and someone had the astounding idea of having a sing-a-round thus transforming an audience into a folk group. Formally established in 1966 we're still going strong.