Bass Trombone soloist; freelance artist; studio musician; teaching artist--Barry is a musician who defies categorization. Having begun his career while still enrolled at the Curtis Institute of Music, he also cut his teeth in the clubs of Philly and Atlantic City. His versatility has earned him respect as a “crossover” artist, performing in venues ranging from Lincoln Center to the House of Blues with anyone from the Royal Ballet, to the Jaco Pastorius Big Band, to R&B legend Aretha Franklin. To some, he's the tuxedo-clad classical bass trombonist for The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Reading Symphony Orchestra, OperaDelaware, and Ocean City Pops--to others he's the low end to the Rob Stoneback Big Band & the jazz bone group Trombosis, or the horn-band sideman they've seen performing with Big City, Soul Purpose, Jose Berrios y su Orquesta, or Philly Transit Authority. This musical dichotomy has seen Barry share the stage with Opera greats(Luciano Pavarotti), Broadway/Cabaret stars(Bernadette Peters), Jazz heavies(Randy Brecker), R&B legends(Patti Labelle), to Pop/Rock icons(Peter Cetera) and many, many, more—a “who’s who” performing in Philly, Atlantic City, and New York. In addition to his work as a trombonist, he is an Associate Conductor of Bravo Brass(the brass ensemble of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra).
An in-demand sideman, Barry is also a dynamic soloist. He has appeared with the Ocean City Pops, Drexel University Concert Band, Liberty Brass Band, in recital for the Suburban Music School(Media, PA), and with Bravo Brass. In his 6th solo appearance with Bravo Brass, he performed the world premiere of "A Very Barry Fantasy" by Jamie Wehr, written for Barry and Bravo Brass on a commission from the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra. He will begin the 2009-2010 season with a solo appearance with the West Chester University Percussion Ensemble.
In addition to his many live performances, Barry is also busy in the recording studio. He has recorded for independent and major label releases, sessions for NFL Films(Emmy winning soundtracks), NASCAR(featured in IMAX theaters nationwide), Hasbro, Inc., commercials/jingles, Warner Bros(publications and major motion pictures), numerous radio broadcasts, and has appeared in television broadcasts both here in the United States and abroad. The long list of musicians with whom he's performed includes Eddie Daniels, Joey DeFrancesco, Herbie Hancock, Dave Grusin, Claudio Roditi, Gerald Veasley, Victor Wooten, Take 6, Maureen McGovern, Rosemary Clooney, Judy Collins, Peabo Bryson, Randy Newman, broadway performers Marvin Hamlisch, Julie Andrews, Rita Moreno, as well as Sesame Street star Bob McGrath; he's also acted in a musical skit with author/radio personality Garrison Keillor.
Rather than accept the parameters that so many try to place on musicians, Barry plays what he wants to play—his love of rock, jazz, r&b, pop, and classical show every time he hits the stage.
