Studied classical piano from age 5, got first guitar at age 13.

Lived in Hong Kong 1965-66, got first electric guitar,and played first professional gigs, including opening for Herman’s Hermits.

Returned to San Francisco in 1966 and played in various bands while attending high school and one year at UC Berkeley. Performed at the Fillmore and the Avalon Ballroom. Attended Berklee School of Music in Boston in 1971.

Moved to New York City in 1973. Played and recorded with the Brecker Brothers (Heavy Metal Bebop), the Crusaders (Street Life), Miles Davis (The Man With The Horn), Chico Hamilton, Airto and Flora Purim, Hubert Laws, Joe Farrell, Ray Barretto,  Billy Cobham, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Taj Mahal. Didier Lockwood, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Teruo Nakamura, and The Negatives, among others, toured frequently throughout the USA, Europe, and Japan, and released six albums as a solo artist. Also was one of five photographers chosen to show work at the Washington Square Art Exhibition in Greenwich Village.

Returned to the S.F Bay Area (Oakland) in 1998. Continues to work professionally, tour and record worldwide. His two “Serious Jazz” practice books, published by Sher Music, have been internationally acclaimed. In 2010 he released two new CDs, “Blues For Trane”  on Cheetah Records in Japan, and “Manhattan Sessions Part 1” on ESC in Europe.

Get ALL the details in the LONG version of Barry’s Bio!