Born in Toronto, Barney Bentall grew up in Calgary, moving to Vancouver in 1978 to try his hand at music. He formed the band Brandon Wolf and released two independent discs and one for A&M Records, all recorded at the infamous Little Mountain Sound. A dedicated family man, he faced a struggle to keep writing and performing music while supporting four children.
In 1988 at the point when a day job seemed imminent, Barney formed The Legendary Hearts and signed with Columbia/CBS Records. Their self-titled debut sold over 100,000 copies and featured three hit singles in Canada, winning a Juno in 1989. Between 1988 and 2000 the band toured extensively and released five studio albums which all reached gold or platinum status in Canada.
In 2000, Bentall moved to British Columbia to operate a cattle ranch. After this change of perspective, 2007 brought the solo release of Gift Horse on True North Records. Bentall also formed The Grand Cariboo Opry with a variety of musicians as a way to help raise funds for needy residents of the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.
The Inside Passage is Bentall's seventh studio album. He explains, "I knew the title of the record long before I wrote the song. I wanted to write a collection of songs that were loosely based on moving through life. I grew up on the prairies but we spent our summers out at the coast. We had a boat and we would take it on long trips from the San Juan Islands to Desolation Sound. I've always felt the pull of those two spaces - the prairies where they rise to meet the Rockies, and the sea as it collides with the Coastal range."
Recorded in the spring and summer of 2008, The Inside Passage was recorded and produced by John Ellis (Ridley Bent, Be Good Tanyas, and Barney's son Dustin Bentall) at his Nashcroft Studios, with Daniel Lapp on fiddle, horns, and piano, Rob Becker on bass and Geoff Hicks on drums. "For the last two albums,", says Bentall, "I've never made a demo, and only put music to tape when it came time to record. I had read a quote of Paul McCartney saying that they never wrote music down or made demos. If the idea was good they would remember it! It seemed like a leap of faith at first but I got into it."
He currently divides his time between his ranch in the Cariboo and Bowen Island with his wife Kath and an ever-increasing tribe of in-laws and grandchildren.
Proud Dad, aren't you. I would have loved to catch you and Dustin at the Dakota in T.Dot, but I was in Saskatchewan at the time. I love the new record and we've included it as part of episode 154 of IndieCan Radio.
As heard on XM Satellite Radio, Ch 87 THE VERGE, and many FM stations in Canada, Epiosode 154 can be downloaded for free at:
Hay Barney, I've been a big fan ever since I photographed you and the Legendary Hearts in the 80's at Commercial Illustrators. Love the new album....a true Canadian Original! Keep the great music coming please...I hope to see you live the next time your in Calgary! John
It was my pleasure to add "Hold My Heart" to my radio playlist (playing independent music commercial-free 24x7) and introduced it on my weekly podcast. The direct link to the show is: http://indiemusicsampler.com/2009/09/18/ims-150/
Hey Barney and guys, I just listened to the new song, it is totally awesome. I am so glad you guys are touring again. I have missed you so much. My husband and I saw you at the Century Casino in Edmonton a little while back. It brought back so many memories for me, it was so great when you remembered who I was. Now I can sit on the dtage in my spot when i get tired...Phew. We will see you in Airdrie Hell or High Water.
Now I am so impatient the wait is gonna kill me. Love ya all.
Ciao,Barney Thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot, Band, and stupendous voice. compliments ..really. you are one of my prefeitis, I feel great admiration for you, be really one whom is worth rather a lot! you are a great really... I hope to listen soon to you, in italy .. talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music all the best.. from italy.. and good life.. every day neal
Hello from the amazing windy plains just outside Calgary , Alberta (weather subject to change on the 1/2 hour with out notification) Wonderful music in your space.Many discoveries made at your space, very nice indeed to be m8s.Cheers ! (mO:) moreno
In a act of Kindness endorphin levels are elevated in the Giver, the Receiver and the Observer, how nice is that.
"do not seek happiness .. but .. do rid your self of unhappiness = Zero Negative thoughts"
"Share knowledge ,it is a way to achieve immortality"
I love the song a Man is!! You sure have alot of tapings going on. Congratulations on that!! Any in Alberta coming up, because you know I would never miss it.
Happy New year to you and your family.
PS: Can't wait to see you again,I will sit on the stage next time ..LOL
Dear Barney, We all can feel your passion in your music! Hope your Holiday Season is filled with Light, Love, Joy, Peace, Happiness, Tranquility, and Clarity of Mind! Love to You and Yours! :) I wish you a healthy and successful New Year! May all your dreams come to pass. Hugs, smiles, much love & respect from Germany :)
