My initiation into performing music began in the early 1970’s, at college in Spokane, Washington. I shared a varied and eclectic musical interest in the Beach Boys, Earl Scruggs, the Zombies, and musical icon, John Sebastian and the Lovin Spoonful, with bassist Pete Trott, and guitar/banjo player, Tim Docheff. We called ourselves Overland Stage and we hit the road for all the Low pay, No pay venues in Washington and Northern Idaho.

In the summer of 1976 a New sound was developed when Tim and I teamed up with three very talented and experienced musicians, Dave Hutcheson, Phil Bruni, and Shawn O’Neil. Tim and I provided a Country Rock/Bluegrass influence; our new partners had a Rock and Roll, Funk background. With an emphasis on high energy, tight arrangements and vocal harmonies, the Salt Creek Band was formed. This unique combination of musical influences, plus a strong work ethic and a constantly evolving musical and stage show earned the band a record contract in the mid 1980’s. They recorded two successful albums on the CBO label in Nashville, TN. I am grateful for my four years with this extremely talented group.  I traveled much of the United States and Canada with Salt Creek, and also had the opportunity to share the stage with some of my musical heroes: Black Oak Arkansas, Doug Kershaw, Earl Scruggs, Mission Mountain Wood Band, and the Ozark Mountain Daredevils.

In 1980 I left the Salt Creek Band to pursue family, and business interests. A 16 year performing hiatus began at this time. In August 1996 Salt Creek did their first reunion show in Elk, WA. The experience was to say the least, Electric. More important was renewing friendships that had lain dormant for so long. As a result of that first reunion show, we have gotten together for a gig eight out of the last twelve years. The most recent was July 2006 in Lake Tahoe, CA.

Inspired by the 1996 reunion, I decided that it was time pursue a solo career. A long time interest in “Jump Swing” music was melded into the American Roots music I had always played. Much of past 10 years I have enjoyed the flexibility, and yes, The Total Control that playing solo offers. Wanting a bigger sound, I made use of a looping station to create arrangements with multiple instrument and vocal parts, for most of my 2008 shows. I am very excited about a new collaboration with talented guitarist/singer Vinny Parisi. Several dates for the duo Barrett & Parisi (aka “Two Heads – One Hat”), have already been booked for 2009.

Thirty-five years from the start of my musical journey, my first CD titled “35, and a Month of Days” will be finished. It has been a six year project that was recorded at various times in Minnesota, Idaho, Montana, and Baja California. The Salt Creek Band will come together once again to support me on a series of CD release parties planned for late August.