Known for his uncensored melancholia, Asbury Park-based singer/guitarist Rick Barry returns to explore the terrain of failed love affairs, paralyzing self-doubt and mortality in his sophomore LP, Curses, Maledictions & Harsh Reiterations.
Produced by New York Guitar Festival Founder and Artistic Director David Spelman, Barry collaborated with an extremely talented group of musician including multi-instrumentalist and 3-time Grammy winner Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Levon Helm,) lush backing vocals from both Nicole Atkins and Allie Moss; eclectic jazz cellist Erik Friedlander (Alanis Morissette); upright bassist Chris Kuffner (Ingrid Michaelson) and trumpeter C.J. Camerieri (Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens.) The album is out October 21st and available to pre-order NOW via Pledge Music.
There is a bittersweet cheer in "So Soft, So Sweet" that, along with the fragile vocal harmonies, open the dialogue of Curses, Maledictions and Harsh Reiterations with an appropriate gentleness. "Hummingbird Song" floats along; nostalgically ruminating on giving yourself to someone without regret despite the inherent risk. "A Perfect Portait" paints us the grittier, bluesier side of Rick Barry with slide guitar and an attitude that grins darkly and croons earnestly. "Moon River" concludes the album by returning to the sweetness with which is began, flowing and swaying with entwining vocal and pedal steel melodies.Videos